Experiences of harm by children of parents who regularly gamble

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Author(s): Suomi, Aino ; Bailey, Megan ; Lucas, Nina ; Dowling, Nicki A. ; Delfabbro, Paul H.

Journal: Children and Youth Services Review

Year Published: 2023

Date Added: October 19, 2023

Children’s wellbeing can be affected by parental problem gambling. In this study, the researchers interviewed 20 adults who reported one or more gambling harms due to parental gambling while they were under the age of 18 years. Overall, the results are consistent with previous research on impacts of parental problem gambling. Participants mentioned experiencing a range of harms, including distress or upset, being left unsupervised, not having enough money, relationship problems, and abuse. Some participants had to take on parental roles by taking care of their siblings, household chores, and finances. These childhood experiences made it challenging for the participants to complete formal education. Such experiences might also contribute to ongoing difficulties in adulthood.

Citation: Suomi, A., Bailey, M., Lucas, N., Dowling, N., & Delfabbro, P. (2023). “It’s like you’re not even there…”: Gambling harm experienced by children of gambling parents. Children and Youth Services Review, 145, 106800. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106800

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106800

Keywords: child abuse ; children ; gambling harm ; parental gambling ; problem gambling ; well-being

Topics: Children and Youth ; Priority Populations

Conceptual Framework Factors: Social - Family and Peer Gambling Involvement ; Psychological - Adverse Childhood Experiences ; Psychological - Lifespan Development ; Social Factors ; Psychological - Subjective Well-Being

Study Design: Qualitative: Content Analysis

Geographic Coverage: Australia

Study Population: Australian adults (n=20) between 19 and 48 years old who experienced harm due to parental gambling before they were 18 years old.

Sampling Procedure: The researchers recruited 20 participants from a larger online study of 211 adult children of parents who regularly gambled. Participants of the larger study were invited to complete an interview if they had experienced harm due to parental gambling. Gambling harm items were assessed using an adapted version of the U.S. National Alcohol’s Harm to Children screening tool.