About
Heli Hagfors is a Researcher at the Unit of Social Research within the Faculty of Social Sciences at Tampere University. Her work focuses on gambling behaviors, addictive tendencies, and the sociocultural factors influencing risk-taking activities. She is affiliated with the City Centre Campus and reachable via heli.hagfors@tuni.fi. Her research employs longitudinal and mixed-methods approaches, often analyzing population-level data to identify trends in problem gambling, gambling motives, and the interplay between technology and behavioral health.
Her research interests center on understanding the root causes of gambling-related harms, including the role of loneliness, escapism, and online communities. She examines how digital platforms (e.g., social media, blockchain) mediate risky behaviors and explores gender differences in gambling attitudes. Her studies often highlight preventive measures and policy implications for public health.
Her articles frequently analyze longitudinal datasets spanning decades, revealing shifts in gambling prevalence, motives, and societal attitudes. Key themes include the link between materialism and mental health in gambling problems, the impact of marketing on gambling behavior, and the overlap between gambling and gaming harms. Notable work includes studies on affected others in gambling harm contexts and the sociocultural dynamics of cannabis use motives.
Dr. Hagfors has not yet been associated with formal student advisement roles, and her profile lacks mention of scientific awards or grants. Her research consistently emphasizes Finland’s demographic context, leveraging national surveys and register-based investigations to inform evidence-based interventions.
