The Relationship Between Self-Esteem and Suicidal Ideation Among Individuals at Risk for Problem Gambling

The current study explored the relationship between self-esteem and suicidal ideation among individuals at risk for problem gambling, with a particular focus on the moderating role of key sociodemographic characteristics. The sample consisted of 112 adults residing in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus who were identified as being at risk using the South Oaks Gambling Screen. Data were collected through validated instruments, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Suicide Cognitions Scale-Revised. Statistical analyses indicated that self-esteem significantly and negatively predicted suicidal ideation, accounting for 34% of the variance. Furthermore, moderation analyses revealed that this relationship varied significantly across gender, marital status, and educational level. Specifically, the predictive effect of low self-esteem on suicidal ideation was approximately three times stronger in males compared to females. Additionally, married individuals exhibited a stronger association between low self-esteem and suicidal ideation than single or divorced individuals, suggesting that marital status may lose its traditionally protective function in the context of gambling-related distress. Lower educational attainment was also found to amplify this risk. Overall, these findings underscore the critical role of self-esteem as both a risk and protective factor and highlight the importance of targeted, sociodemographically sensitive intervention strategies for individuals at risk for problem gambling.