It is well recognized that having a higher income allows for better living conditions. Generally those who are at the higher income level have better general health status and fewer sub–acute conditions. The number of mental health and sub–acute health problems among the low–income participants in this study was staggering. However, this is consistent with findings from Health Canada (2001) which reveal that Canadians with low literacy skills are more likely to be unemployed and poor and also have higher morbidity and mortality than those individuals who have achieved a higher level of education. Gambling and the use of alcohol may be used as coping mechanisms for those with fixed incomes to help them fill some emptiness in their lives.

Mental illnesses, such as depression, were common in the low–income participants and their appearance is not surprising given the association between gambling and depression (Rosenthal, 1993). Lipman, Offord, and Boyle (1997) showed that single mothers in an Ontario study were more likely than mothers in two parent families to be poor, to have mental health problems such as affective disorders, anxiety disorders, psychiatric disorders and to be consumers of mental health services Lipman et al (1997) also pointed out that the single mothers were several times more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol.

Identity

Sociocultural and contextual factors will influence the construction of identity in individuals. Family members who experience much in common growing up together, will have a large impact on the formation of other members' identities. Individuals will socially construct themselves to form a profile of how they see themselves and what they feel they are capable of doing. This applies to both the parents and the children in this study.