Gaza War and Its Impact on Problem Gambling in Israel
Background of the Gaza Conflict and Its Aftermath
Israel is soon to mark two years since the devastating events of October 7, 2023, when Hamas and allied militant groups launched a deadly attack resulting in over 1,200 casualties and the taking of 251 hostages. This event triggered a prolonged and deadly conflict in Gaza, causing tens of thousands of deaths.
The Link Between Trauma and Gambling Issues
In the aftermath of these traumatic events, a recent study sheds light on the growing mental health challenges in Israel, specifically pointing to a rise in problem gambling as a coping mechanism for emotional distress.
Emotional Struggles Leading to Risky Behaviors
Research conducted by the Israel Center for Addiction and Mental Health (ICAMH) in collaboration with the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and other Israeli academic and medical institutions reveals that men struggling to regulate their emotions are more vulnerable to developing gambling problems following the attack.
The study, overseen by Prof. Mario Mikulincer and Dr. Uri Lifshin and published in the Journal of Gambling Studies, followed nearly 900 Jewish Israeli adults throughout the conflict period. It found a significant rise in problem gambling, especially among men with higher difficulties in emotional regulation. This trauma appears to have pushed some towards gambling as an escape.
Unexpected Patterns in Gambling Behavior
The research, which included 445 men and 444 women, found complex behaviors post-trauma. While some individuals who previously did not gamble began doing so after the trauma, regular high-risk gamblers tended to reduce their gambling during the crisis.
Interestingly, those who actively tried to understand and manage their emotions were more likely to turn to gambling for comfort and regulation. These trends were consistent across different ages and educational backgrounds, suggesting that the trauma affected the collective mindset rather than specific demographic groups.
The Broader Impact of Collective Trauma
Overall, the study emphasizes that national tragedies have far-reaching effects, both publicly and privately, often manifesting in harmful coping mechanisms like gambling.
Prof. Mikulincer remarked that collective traumas do not simply disappear once conflict ends. They remain ingrained in people’s minds, relationships, and daily choices as they try to cope with ongoing challenges.
The study, titled “Gambling in the Shadow of War: Evidence of Increased Problem Gambling for Men with Difficulties in Emotional Regulation During a Mass Trauma,” seeks to deepen understanding of the factors driving problematic gambling and promote better support systems for those affected by collective trauma.
