Examining the effects of self-esteem and life satisfaction on online gambling addiction in male university students

Objective: The aim of this study is to examine the effect of self-esteem and life satisfaction on online gambling addiction in male university students. Material and Methods: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional design. The study was carried out between September 2024 and December 2025. The population of the study consisted of male students studying in six randomly selected faculties at İnönü University. The sample of the study consisted of 1507 male students. Data were collected using an Introductory Questionnaire Form, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Life Satisfaction Scale, and the Online Gambling Addiction Scale. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, minimum and maximum values, standard deviation), as well as the t-test for independent groups and linear regression analysis. Results: In the study, it was found that the mean score of the students was 1.68±1.54 for the Self-Esteem Scale, 14.71±4.48 for the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and 30.06±17.84 for the Online Gambling Addiction Scale. It was determined that the mean self-esteem score of the students who were online gambling addicts was higher than those who were not. It was found that the mean life satisfaction score of the students who were not online gambling addicts was higher than those who were. It was determined that economic status, reasons for gambling, and efforts to control/quit gambling had a positive effect on online gambling addiction. Furthermore, it was found that the frequency of online gambling and the effect of gambling habit on family/environment had a negative effect on online gambling addiction. Conclusion: Consequently, it has been observed that self-esteem and life satisfaction have an effect on online gambling addiction. In this regard, educational and awareness initiatives aimed at preventing the development of addiction in male university students at an early stage will be beneficial. Keywords: Life Satisfaction, Male, Nursing, Online Gambling Addiction, Self-Esteem, University Student