A systematic review of non-suicidal self-injury, problem gambling, problem gaming, and problematic internet use

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Author(s): Losaberidze, Magda ; Mallorquí-Bagué, Núria ; Demetrovics, Zsolt ; Jiménez-Murcia, Susana ; Potenza, Marc N. ; Soborun, Yanisha ; Romero, Pedro ; Reinhardt, Melinda ; Kökönyei, Gyöngyi ; Mestre-Bach, Gemma ; Czakó, Andrea

Journal: Journal of Behavioral Addictions

Year Published: 2025

Date Added: January 23, 2026

This study systematically reviewed and summarized current research evidence about the links between non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), problem gambling, problem gaming, and problematic internet use (PIU). A total of 40 studies were included in the review. Most studies were conducted in China and used a cross-sectional design (i.e., collected data at only one timepoint). A total of 4 studies examined the link between problem gambling and NSSI, 7 examined problem gaming, and 29 examined PIU. Problem gambling, problem gaming, and PIU are all linked to NSSI. Coping with negative emotions, anxiety, social support, and a tendency to act impulsively appear to be some underlying factors.

Citation: Losaberidze, M., Mallorquí-Bagué, N., Demetrovics, Z., Jiménez-Murcia, S., Potenza, M. N., Soborun, Y., Romero, P., Reinhardt, M., Kökönyei, G., Mestre-Bach, G., & Czakó, A. (2025). Scars, screens, and stakes: Link between non-suicidal self-injury and problem gambling, problem gaming, and problematic internet use – A systematic review. Journal of Behavioral Addictions. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00079

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00079

Keywords: addictive behaviour ; compulsive behaviour ; non-suicidal self-injury ; problem gambling ; problematic gaming ; problematic Internet use ; suicide ; video games

Topics: Comorbidities ; Suicide

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological - Comorbid Disorders ; Psychological Factors ; Exposure - Convergence of Gaming and Gambling

Study Design: Systematic Review

Study Funding:

This study received no direct funding.