Key Moments:
- Data collected from April 2022 to June 2024 in four phases among 889 adult Jewish Hebrew speakers
- Men with greater difficulties in emotional regulation experienced significant increases in problem gambling after October 7
- The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) rose among men and across the overall sample following the October 7 events
Overview of the Study
A recently published Hebrew University study has examined the relationship between emotional regulation and gambling habits among Israeli Jewish adults in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre. The research underscores the longstanding presence of gambling as both entertainment and a source of income, while highlighting that the challenges of gambling addiction have persisted alongside it. The study defines problem gambling as gambling that “disrupts or damages personal, family or recreational pursuits”.
Research Methods and Sample
The investigators employed both cross-sectional and longitudinal elements by comparing survey data collected before and after October 7. Data collection occurred at four time points: April 2022, December 2023, March 2024, and June 2024. Over 12,000 online surveys were initially completed by Jewish Hebrew speakers aged 18 to 70. The final analysis included 445 men and 444 women, totaling 889 individuals. Surveys gathered demographic details, substance use information, and data on risk factors related to gambling behaviors.
Main Findings
Results show diverging trends in problem gambling across different groups. Men reporting larger difficulties with emotional regulation saw significant increases in problem gambling after October 7, as measured by the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Conversely, individuals who previously exhibited problem gambling without such emotional regulation difficulties now show reduced gambling issues. Furthermore, the study indicates that collective psychological trauma from October 7 and subsequent conflict has led to higher Difficulties with Emotional Regulation Scores (DERS) among both men and women, though men scored slightly higher.
Between April 2022 and March 2024, the PGSI for male participants increased notably. The overall PGSI among participants also climbed, reflecting an uptick in gambling as a potential coping mechanism following collective trauma. Higher DERS scores correlated with higher PGSI scores, indicating that greater challenges in emotional regulation are linked with more problematic gambling.
| Survey Period | Total Surveys Collected | Final Sample (Men) | Final Sample (Women) |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2022 | Over 12,000 (all periods combined) | 445 | 444 |
| December 2023 | – | – | – |
| March 2024 | – | – | – |
| June 2024 | – | – | – |
Implications for Emotional Regulation and Problem Gambling
The study’s results held steady regardless of participants’ age or education level, indicating that the changes observed are widespread among Jewish Israeli adults rather than restricted to specific groups. By analyzing the psychological effects of collective trauma on gambling behavior, the research not only highlights the challenges people face but also points towards possible pathways for intervention. Enhanced emotional regulation could lead present-day problem gamblers to mirror the improved outcomes seen in emotionally regulated individuals from earlier stages of the study.
- Author
Daniel Williams
