Adverse childhood experiences and problem gambling: Risk and protective factors among population health survey participants

Session Title

Poster session

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Start Date

27-5-2026 12:00 AM

Abstract

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have long-term effects on health and behavior, and problem gambling is increasingly viewed as a maladaptive coping strategy linked to stress and emotional dysregulation. Building on prior research and the Pathways Model, this study examines the association between childhood adversity and adult problem gambling. The study uses nationally representative data from the Healthy Finland Survey 2022–23, including 28,154 adults aged 20+ (response rate 46%). Of the 5,749 participants in the health examination component, 4,785 completed a follow-up questionnaire that included measures of childhood adversity. Problem gambling severity was assessed using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Childhood adversity was measured using the ACE-THL questionnaire, with 12 ACE items covering abuse, sexual harassment, neglect, household dysfunction, economic hardship, parental mental health or substance use problems, and parental loss, with a 5-point frequency response scale. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic factors. Cumulative adversity was constructed using a provisional percentile-based cut-off for each item. Among those with at-risk or problem gambling, 16% reported four or more ACEs, compared with 11% in non-problem gambling and 5% in non-gambling. After adjustment, problem gambling remained significantly associated with higher childhood adversity. The findings highlight the role of early-life adversity in gambling-related harm.

Author Bios

Kalle Lind (PhD) is a Senior Researcher at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. His research has explored the links between gambling and crime among prisoners, support program participants, and the general population. He has applied both qualitative and quantitative methods to study gambling behavior, addiction, treatment development, and the impacts of gambling on affected others.

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May 27th, 12:00 AM

Adverse childhood experiences and problem gambling: Risk and protective factors among population health survey participants

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have long-term effects on health and behavior, and problem gambling is increasingly viewed as a maladaptive coping strategy linked to stress and emotional dysregulation. Building on prior research and the Pathways Model, this study examines the association between childhood adversity and adult problem gambling. The study uses nationally representative data from the Healthy Finland Survey 2022–23, including 28,154 adults aged 20+ (response rate 46%). Of the 5,749 participants in the health examination component, 4,785 completed a follow-up questionnaire that included measures of childhood adversity. Problem gambling severity was assessed using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Childhood adversity was measured using the ACE-THL questionnaire, with 12 ACE items covering abuse, sexual harassment, neglect, household dysfunction, economic hardship, parental mental health or substance use problems, and parental loss, with a 5-point frequency response scale. Analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic factors. Cumulative adversity was constructed using a provisional percentile-based cut-off for each item. Among those with at-risk or problem gambling, 16% reported four or more ACEs, compared with 11% in non-problem gambling and 5% in non-gambling. After adjustment, problem gambling remained significantly associated with higher childhood adversity. The findings highlight the role of early-life adversity in gambling-related harm.