The intergenerational transmission of gambling and other addictive behaviors: Implications of the mediating effects of cross-addiction frequency and problems

Abstract

Introduction: This study examined the degree to which perceptions of familial and household participation in gambling and other addictive behaviors in youth was associated with frequency and problem severity of gambling, alcohol and/or drug use in participants as adults. Method: The study measured perceived frequency of gambling, alcohol use, drug use and other potentially addictive behaviors in family/household members and the frequency and problem severity of gambling, alcohol, and drugs in an epidemiological sample of adults 18 and older (N = 3,499; m = 48.26 %, f = 51.74 %). Results: About 23.45 % of participants reported their father gambled when they were a child or adolescent, followed by mother (13.56 %), grandfather (9.73 %), or grandmother (7.83 %). A pathway model demonstrated cross-addiction inter- and intra-generational influences. Gambling by a father, mother or brother; substance use by a sister; and/or engagement in other behaviors by a brother, sister, grandmother or other household member was related to higher frequency of participant gambling (ps < 0.05), and, in turn, to higher levels of gambling, alcohol, and drug use problem severity (ps < 0.05). Discussion: Findings demonstrate the complex contributions of specific family and household members in the transmission of addictive behaviors. Frequency of gambling, alcohol use, and drug use mediated the relationship of perceived family behavior with and across addictions. In addition, perceptions regarding use of alcohol and/or other drugs, or engagement in other behaviors by family or household members was related not only to participants' alcohol and drug use but also to problem gambling frequency and severity.