Presenter
Jadyn Torres
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2026
Abstract
Objectives: Problem gambling is a growing public health concern associated with emotional, financial, relational, and health harms. At the same time, exposure to violence among young people is increasing. Limited research has examined the relationship between witnessing gun violence and problem gambling, particularly among young adults. This study examines this association among young adults in Rhode Island. Methods: Data came from the 2024 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey (N=1,008) of individuals aged 18–25 years. Witnessing gun violence and problem gambling were assessed, with problem gambling measured using the Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen (BBGS). Multivariable logistic regression assessed main effects after adjusting for age, sexual and gender identity, race/ethnicity, social status, employment status, and student status. Results: Overall, 4.3% of participants met criteria for problem gambling, and 36.0% reported ever witnessing gun violence. Witnessing gun violence was associated with higher odds of problem gambling (AOR [95% CI]: 2.09 [1.09, 4.01]). Lower odds of problem gambling were observed among employed participants (AOR [95% CI]: 0.48 [0.24, 0.95]) and cisgender heterosexual females (AOR [95% CI]: 0.12 [0.04, 0.37]). Conclusions: Witnessing gun violence is associated with increased risk of problem gambling among young adults, highlighting the potential role of trauma exposure and the importance of trauma-informed prevention and intervention strategies.
Faculty Mentor
Samantha Rosenthal, Ph.D, MPH
Academic Discipline
College of Arts & Sciences
Repository Citation
Torres, Jadyn, "Gun Violence Exposure and Gambling in Young Adults" (2026). Student Research Design & Innovation Symposium. 268.
https://scholarsarchive.jwu.edu/innov_symposium/268
