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Ben Kuo, University of Windsor
Ron Frisch, University of Windsor
Kenneth M. Cramer, University of Windsor
Phoenix Gillis, University of Windsor
Categories: · Treatment ·
| Type of Award | Amount Approved | Project Status |
|---|---|---|
| Level II | $42,000.00 | Completed |
ABSTRACT
Cumulative gambling literature has pointed to serious underutilization of problem gambling treatment and services by individuals with gambling problems. Yet the existing research on help-seeking among problem gamblers is scarce, highlighting a need for systematic empirical inquires. The present research intended to address this gap by identifying and assessing critical psychosocial antecedents of help-seeking among problem gamblers. With a sample of 29 problem gamblers who attended a 3-week in-patient gambling treatment program in South-western Ontario, this study assessed a constellation of social, cognitive, coping, health and financial variables hypothesized to be critical to treatment-seeking behaviour for problem gamblers. The inclusion of these variables was informed by an a priori model of help-seeking previously tested by Cramer (1999). Specifically, the study examined a) predictors of PGs’ willingness to seek help across seven types of interventions and support; and b) changes in the predictor and criterion variables from pre-treatment to post-treatment.
Based on a series of multiple regressions, the results suggested varied patterns of help-seeking behaviours among the participants depending upon the types of help and services in question. At pre-treatment, the regression model with the fifteen predictors was effective in predicting problem gamblers’ willingness to seek psychotherapy/counselling in particular. At post-treatment, the same model was effective in predicting problem gamblers’ overall willingness to seek help. Problem gamblers’ willingness to seek most forms of help and services examined in the present study improved from pre-treatment to post-treatment. There were statistically significant changes in the participants’ overall willingness to seek help as well as in their willingness to access Gamblers Anonymous in particular between pre- and post-treatment. Furthermore, over the course of the treatment, the participants reported gains with respect to overall health, social support from family members, and adaptive coping strategies. Moreover, participants reported a decrease in their tendency to conceal personal secrets; this decrease was especially pronounced among women. A number of additional gender differences were identified. Interpretations of the findings and discussion of their implications for future research are presented.
| File Name | Type | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Full Report | 301kb |