Gambling and suicidal behaviours among Black and White youth in the USA

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Author(s): Ahuja, Manik ; Werner, Kimberly B. ; Cunningham-Williams, Renee M. ; Bucholz, Kathleen K.

Journal: Current Addiction Reports

Year Published: 2021

Date Added: August 13, 2021

Gambling and suicidal behaviours are major public health concerns among adolescents and young adults. There is limited research on how the impact of gambling on suicidal behaviours may vary by race. The researchers analyzed data from the Missouri Family Study (MOFAM). The results showed that gambling increased the risk of suicidal thoughts among Black youth, but not among White youth. Major depressive disorder and childhood sexual abuse predicted suicidal thoughts among Black youth. Major depressive disorder and alcohol use predicted suicidal thoughts among White youth. Gambling did not predict suicide attempts. Major depressive disorder and childhood sexual abuse increased the risk of suicide attempts, especially among youth at or under the age of 15. Males were less likely to report suicidal behaviours than females.

Citation: Ahuja, M., Werner, K. B., Cunningham-Williams, R. M., & Bucholz, K. K. (2021). Racial associations between gambling and suicidal behaviors among Black and White adolescents and young adults. Current Addiction Reports, 8, 246-254. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-021-00374-8

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-021-00374-8

Keywords: adolescent gambling ; Blacks ; gambling risk spectrum ; suicide ; youth

Topics: Children and Youth ; Comorbidities ; Priority Populations ; Suicide

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological - Comorbid Disorders ; Psychological Factors ; Cultural Factors ; Cultural - Ethnicity and Traditions

Study Design: Secondary Data Analysis

Geographic Coverage: United States of America, Missouri

Study Population: Black youth (n = 750) and White youth (n = 599)

Sampling Procedure: The researchers used data from the Missouri Family Study (MOFAM). MOFAM is a longitudinal family study on the effects of paternal alcohol use disorder on development of offspring alcohol involvement and other outcomes. The study used Missouri state birth records between 2003 and 2009 to identify families with offspring aged 13, 15, 17, or 19 years and with at least one additional full sibling.

Study Funding:

No funding was identified for this study.