The initiation of gambling during adolescence: Peer and parental influences

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Author(s): Parrado-González, Alberto ; Fernández-Calderón, Fermín ; Newall, Philip W. S. ; León-Jariego, José. C.

Journal: Journal of Adolescent Health

Year Published: 2023

Date Added: August 12, 2023

The researchers analyzed the contribution of parental and peer norms to adolescents' gambling initiation. Adolescents aged 12–17 years filled out a baseline survey and a follow-up survey one year later. Only adolescents who reported not gambling at baseline were included. Of the 440 participants, 36.4% reported starting to gamble at follow-up. Peer factors were positively associated with gambling initiation. Higher susceptibility to peer pressure and perceived gambling among peers were associated with higher chances of gambling initiation. Peer and parental approval of gambling was also associated with higher chances of gambling initiation. But perceiving one’s peers gambled too much decreased the likelihood.

Citation: Parrado-González, A., Fernández-Calderón, F., Newall, P. W. S., & León-Jariego, J. C. (2023). Peer and parental social norms as determinants of gambling initiation: A prospective study. Journal of Adolescent Health. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.02.033

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.02.033

Keywords: adolescent gambling ; age of onset ; parental gambling ; peer influence ; prevention ; social norms

Topics: Gambling Resources ; Information for Operators ; Prevention

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological Factors ; Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Social - Family and Peer Gambling Involvement ; Social - Social Demographics ; Psychological - Lifespan Development ; Social Factors

Study Design: Observational: Longitudinal

Geographic Coverage: Spain

Study Population: Adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old. The final sample consisted of 440 adolescents, where 50.9% were male and the mean age was 14.85 years old.

Sampling Procedure: The researchers used data collected for a project on the factors related to adolescent gambling behaviour. A convenience sample was selected from four high schools located in Southwest Spain. The schools were chosen to have different geographic and social contexts. Paper-and-pencil questionnaires were administered at baseline from February to May 2018 and at 1-year follow-up. For this study, only adolescents who reported not gambling at baseline were included.

Study Funding:

Open access funding was provided by the Universidad de Huelva/CBUA.