Gambling Problems Predict Suicidality in Recently Transitioned Military Veterans

This study investigated associations between gambling problems and suicidality in Australian veterans. Cross-sectional data from 3,511 Australian Defense Force veterans who recently transitioned to civilian life were assessed. Data was assessed using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), and suicidal ideation and behavior by using items adapted from the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Quantitative Data Highlights

Gambling Severity

• 8.2% of veterans scored in the range for at-risk gambling.
• 3.8% of veterans scored in the range for problem gambling.
• Of scores suggesting problem gambling:
  • 43.9% reported suicidal ideation.
  • 19.5% reported past year suicide planning or attempts.

Suicide Risk

• 21.6% of veterans reported experiencing suicidal ideation over the previous year.
• 7.9% of veterans reported suicide planning or attempts.

Comparison of reported scores

• At-risk gambling was associated with 2 times increase in the odds of suicidal ideation compared to those reporting no gambling problems.
• Compared to those with no reported gambling problems, reports suggesting problem gambling were associated with:
  • A nearly 3 times the odds of suicidal ideation, and
  • A nearly 4 times the odds of suicidal planning or attempts.

Qualitative Data Highlights

• Gambling problems and harms are important risk factors for suicide in veterans and should be recognized in veteran-specific suicide prevention policies and programs, along with co-occurring mental health problems.
• Past year gambling problems were associated with suicide-related outcomes and thus demonstrates the likely negative implications of gambling products and environments.

Risk Factors

• Exposure to gambling products and environments.
• Co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Gambling problems increase the risk of suicide related outcomes.

Protective Factors

• Reduction in exposure to gambling products and environments.

Conclusions

• Results suggest that gambling problems may contribute to suicide risk in veterans indirectly via depressive symptoms, which in turn may lead to suicidal ideation and behavior.
• The current findings suggest that gambling problems and harms may be critical factors to consider in conjunction with mental health problems, including depressive symptoms, which may function as ‘proximal’ predictors of suicidality in a chain of factors that probably still includes financial hardship and reduced social support, as well as shame and guilt.