Understanding well-being among gamblers: the role of co-occurring psychopathology

Negative consequences of gambling problems have primarily been examined in terms of symptoms and impairment, with less focus on well-being, a key indicator of intra- and interpersonal functioning and a critical outcome in treatment. Additionally, the role of co-occurring psychopathology in this relation remains unclear. This study examined the relation between gambling problems and well-being in a large population-based sample of individuals who gamble (N = 1005; 52.4 % men, aged 18 to over 60). Relations between gambling problems and well-being were assessed both overall and across well-being dimensions-self-acceptance, clear thinking, competence, positive emotions, and positive relationships-while accounting for major symptom dimensions of co-occurring psychopathology. Structural equation modeling revealed that gambling problems were significantly and moderately associated with lower overall well-being (β = -0.49; p < .001), including clear thinking and positive emotions (β = -0.48; p < .001), positive relationships (β = -0.44; p < .001), and self-acceptance and competence (β = -0.43; p < .001). When accounting for externalizing, internalizing, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms separately, gambling problems remained significantly associated with lower well-being (β = -0.21 to -0.32; p < .001). However, when accounting for thought disorder symptoms, gambling problems were no longer significantly associated with well-being. When accounting for all psychopathological factors alongside gambling problems, internalizing, thought disorder, and externalizing symptoms were significantly associated with lower well-being, while gambling problems and obsessive-compulsive symptoms were not. Although limited by its cross-sectional design, these findings highlight the important role of co-occurring psychopathology in understanding well-being related to gambling problems.