Speakers - PAWC2025

Abstract

Online gambling has become an increasingly prevalent behavior with significant implications for individuals mental health. This study aims to examine the relationship between online gambling involvement, mental health status, and coping strategies among adults. Utilizing a quantitative approach, data were collected from 357 active online gamblers through a standardized online questionnaires. The findings reveal a positive correlation between the intensity of online gambling and symptoms of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Furthermore, maladaptive coping strategies, such as avoidance and escapism were more commonly employed by individuals with higher levels of gambling involvement. Escapism and avoidance coping strategies have been studied extensively and conceptualized as motives to play. These results underscore the need for early psychological interventions and the promotion of adaptive coping mechanisms to mitigate the negative mental health consequences of online gambling. The evidence has important implication also for developing more effective prevention programs.