Skip to main content
Erschienen in: Journal of Gambling Studies 2/2014

01.06.2014 | Original Paper

Professional Help-Seeking for Gambling Problems: Awareness, Barriers and Motivators for Treatment

verfasst von: Sally Gainsbury, Nerilee Hing, Niko Suhonen

Erschienen in: Journal of Gambling Studies | Ausgabe 2/2014

Einloggen, um Zugang zu erhalten

Abstract

Despite the negative consequences associated with gambling, few problem gamblers seek professional help. This study aimed to examine awareness of professional sources of help and help-seeking behaviour amongst regular and problem gamblers. Australian gamblers (N = 730) were recruited from the general population, multicultural gambling venues, and gambling helplines and treatment services. Surveys measured awareness of professional help services, help-seeking behaviour and motivators and barriers to seeking help. Gamblers demonstrated low awareness of professional help services. Problem gamblers born in Australia or who were divorced were more likely to seek help. Problem gamblers who were reluctant to seek help due to a desire solve the problem on their own and feeling ashamed for themselves or their family pride were more likely to have overcome these barriers to seek help. However, significant barriers related to denial of problem severity and concerns about the ability to access low cost services that cater for multicultural populations predicted a lower likelihood of having sought help. Public education should aim to de-mystify the treatment process and educate gamblers about symptoms of problem gambling to reduce shame, stigma, and denial and encourage help-seeking. Ongoing education and promotion of help services is required to increase awareness of the resources available, including targeted promotions to increase awareness of relevant services among specific populations.
Fußnoten
1
Due to potential multicollinearity problems, we did not use all potential variables, however, we made several estimations to achieve the appropriate models in Tables 5 and 6.
 
Literatur
Zurück zum Zitat Abbott, M. W. (2001). Problem and non-problem gambling in New Zealand: A report on phase two of the 1999 national prevalence survey. Wellington: Department of Internal Affairs. Abbott, M. W. (2001). Problem and non-problem gambling in New Zealand: A report on phase two of the 1999 national prevalence survey. Wellington: Department of Internal Affairs.
Zurück zum Zitat Blaszczynski, A., Huynh, S., Dumlao, V. J., & Farrell, E. (1998). Problem gambling within a Chinese speaking community. Journal of Gambling Studies, 14, 359–380.PubMedCrossRef Blaszczynski, A., Huynh, S., Dumlao, V. J., & Farrell, E. (1998). Problem gambling within a Chinese speaking community. Journal of Gambling Studies, 14, 359–380.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Carlbring, P., & Smit, F. (2008). Randomized trial of internet-delivered self-help with telephone support for pathological gamblers. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76, 1090–1094.PubMedCrossRef Carlbring, P., & Smit, F. (2008). Randomized trial of internet-delivered self-help with telephone support for pathological gamblers. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76, 1090–1094.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Clarke, D., Abbott, M., Tse, S., Townsend, S., Kingi, P., & Manaia, W. (2006). Gender, age, ethnic and occupational associations with pathological gambling in a New Zealand urban sample. New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 35, 84–91. Clarke, D., Abbott, M., Tse, S., Townsend, S., Kingi, P., & Manaia, W. (2006). Gender, age, ethnic and occupational associations with pathological gambling in a New Zealand urban sample. New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 35, 84–91.
Zurück zum Zitat Davidson, T., & Rodgers, B. (2010). 2009 Survey of the nature and extent of gambling, and problem gambling, in the Australian Capital Territory. Canberra: Australian National University. Davidson, T., & Rodgers, B. (2010). 2009 Survey of the nature and extent of gambling, and problem gambling, in the Australian Capital Territory. Canberra: Australian National University.
Zurück zum Zitat Derevensky, J., & Gupta, R. (2004). Gambling problems in youth: Theoretical and applied perspectives. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers. Derevensky, J., & Gupta, R. (2004). Gambling problems in youth: Theoretical and applied perspectives. New York: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers.
Zurück zum Zitat Dhillon, J., Horch, J. D., & Hodgins, D. C. (2011). Cultural influences on stigmatization of problem gambling: East Asian and Caucasian Canadians. Journal of Gambling Studies, 27, 633–647.PubMedCrossRef Dhillon, J., Horch, J. D., & Hodgins, D. C. (2011). Cultural influences on stigmatization of problem gambling: East Asian and Caucasian Canadians. Journal of Gambling Studies, 27, 633–647.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Evans, L., & Delfabbro, P. (2005). Motivators for change and barriers to help-seeking in Australian problem gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies, 21, 133–155.PubMedCrossRef Evans, L., & Delfabbro, P. (2005). Motivators for change and barriers to help-seeking in Australian problem gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies, 21, 133–155.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Ferris, J., & Wynne, H. (2001). The Canadian problem gambling index: Final report. Ottawa: Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse. Ferris, J., & Wynne, H. (2001). The Canadian problem gambling index: Final report. Ottawa: Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse.
Zurück zum Zitat Fong, D., Fong, H. N., & Li, S. Z. (2011). The social cost of gambling in Macao: Before and after the liberalisation of the gaming industry. International Gambling Studies, 11, 43–56.CrossRef Fong, D., Fong, H. N., & Li, S. Z. (2011). The social cost of gambling in Macao: Before and after the liberalisation of the gaming industry. International Gambling Studies, 11, 43–56.CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Gainsbury, S., & Blaszczynski, A. (2011a). A systematic review of Internet-based therapy for the treatment of addictions. Clinical Psychology Review, 31, 490–498.PubMedCrossRef Gainsbury, S., & Blaszczynski, A. (2011a). A systematic review of Internet-based therapy for the treatment of addictions. Clinical Psychology Review, 31, 490–498.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Gainsbury, S., & Blaszczynski, A. (2011b). Online self-guided interventions for the treatment of problem gambling. International Gambling Studies, 11, 289–308.CrossRef Gainsbury, S., & Blaszczynski, A. (2011b). Online self-guided interventions for the treatment of problem gambling. International Gambling Studies, 11, 289–308.CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Gooding, P., & Tarrier, N. (2009). A systematic review and meta-analysis of cognitive-behavioural interventions to reduce problem gambling: Hedging our bets? Behaviour Research and Therapy, 47, 592–607.PubMedCrossRef Gooding, P., & Tarrier, N. (2009). A systematic review and meta-analysis of cognitive-behavioural interventions to reduce problem gambling: Hedging our bets? Behaviour Research and Therapy, 47, 592–607.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Hardoon, K., Derevensky, J., & Gupta, R. (2003). Empirical vs. perceived measures of gambling severity: Why adolescents don’t present themselves for treatment. Addictive Behaviors, 28, 933–946.PubMedCrossRef Hardoon, K., Derevensky, J., & Gupta, R. (2003). Empirical vs. perceived measures of gambling severity: Why adolescents don’t present themselves for treatment. Addictive Behaviors, 28, 933–946.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Hodgins, D. C., Currie, S. R., Currie, G., & Flick, G. H. (2009). Randomized trial of brief motivational treatments for pathological gamblers: More is not necessarily better. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77, 950–960.PubMedCrossRef Hodgins, D. C., Currie, S. R., Currie, G., & Flick, G. H. (2009). Randomized trial of brief motivational treatments for pathological gamblers: More is not necessarily better. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 77, 950–960.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Hodgins, D., & el-Guebaly, N. (2000). Natural and treatment-assisted recovery from gambling problems: A comparison of resolved and active gamblers. Addiction, 95, 777–789.PubMedCrossRef Hodgins, D., & el-Guebaly, N. (2000). Natural and treatment-assisted recovery from gambling problems: A comparison of resolved and active gamblers. Addiction, 95, 777–789.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Hodgins, D. C., Makarchuk, K., el-Guebaly, N., & Peden, N. (2002). Why problem gamblers quit gambling: A comparison of methods and samples. Addiction, Research & Theory., 10, 203–218.CrossRef Hodgins, D. C., Makarchuk, K., el-Guebaly, N., & Peden, N. (2002). Why problem gamblers quit gambling: A comparison of methods and samples. Addiction, Research & Theory., 10, 203–218.CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Hodgins, D. C., Stea, J. N., & Grant, J. E. (2011). Gambling disorders. The Lancet, 378, 1874–1884.CrossRef Hodgins, D. C., Stea, J. N., & Grant, J. E. (2011). Gambling disorders. The Lancet, 378, 1874–1884.CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Holtgraves, T. (2009). Evaluating the problem gambling severity index. Journal of Gambling Studies, 25, 105–120.PubMedCrossRef Holtgraves, T. (2009). Evaluating the problem gambling severity index. Journal of Gambling Studies, 25, 105–120.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Ledgerwood, D. M., Arfken, C. L., Wiedemann, B. S., Bates, K. E., Holmes, D., & Jones, L. (2013). Who goes to treatment? Predictors of treatment initiation among gambling help-line callers. The American Journal on Addictions, 22, 33–38.PubMedCrossRef Ledgerwood, D. M., Arfken, C. L., Wiedemann, B. S., Bates, K. E., Holmes, D., & Jones, L. (2013). Who goes to treatment? Predictors of treatment initiation among gambling help-line callers. The American Journal on Addictions, 22, 33–38.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Loo, J. M. Y., Raylu, N., & Oei, T. P. S. (2008). Gambling among the Chinese: A comprehensive review. Clinical Psychology Review, 28(7), 1152–1166.PubMedCrossRef Loo, J. M. Y., Raylu, N., & Oei, T. P. S. (2008). Gambling among the Chinese: A comprehensive review. Clinical Psychology Review, 28(7), 1152–1166.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Marotta, J. J. (2000). Recovery from gambling problems with and without treatment. Paper presented at the 11th International Conference on Gambling and Risk Taking, Las Vegas, NV. Marotta, J. J. (2000). Recovery from gambling problems with and without treatment. Paper presented at the 11th International Conference on Gambling and Risk Taking, Las Vegas, NV.
Zurück zum Zitat McMillen, J., Marshall, D., Murphy, L., Lorenzen, S., & Waugh, B. (2004). Help seeking by problem gamblers, friends and families: A focus on gender and cultural groups. Canberra: Centre for Gambling Research, Regnet, Australian National University. McMillen, J., Marshall, D., Murphy, L., Lorenzen, S., & Waugh, B. (2004). Help seeking by problem gamblers, friends and families: A focus on gender and cultural groups. Canberra: Centre for Gambling Research, Regnet, Australian National University.
Zurück zum Zitat McMillen, J., & Wenzel, M. (2006). Measuring problem gambling: Assessment of three prevalence screens. International Gambling Studies, 6, 147–174.CrossRef McMillen, J., & Wenzel, M. (2006). Measuring problem gambling: Assessment of three prevalence screens. International Gambling Studies, 6, 147–174.CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. (2008). Report of survey of participation in gambling activities among Singapore residents. Singapore: Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports. (2008). Report of survey of participation in gambling activities among Singapore residents. Singapore: Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports.
Zurück zum Zitat Mojtabai, R., Olfson, M., & Mechanic, D. (2002). Perceived need and help-seeking in adults with mood, anxiety, or substance use disorders. Archives of General Psychiatry, 59(1), 77–84.PubMedCrossRef Mojtabai, R., Olfson, M., & Mechanic, D. (2002). Perceived need and help-seeking in adults with mood, anxiety, or substance use disorders. Archives of General Psychiatry, 59(1), 77–84.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Monaghan, S., & Wood, R. T. A. (2010). Internet-based interventions for youth dealing with gambling problems. International Journal of Adolescent Health and Medicine, 22(1), 113–128. Monaghan, S., & Wood, R. T. A. (2010). Internet-based interventions for youth dealing with gambling problems. International Journal of Adolescent Health and Medicine, 22(1), 113–128.
Zurück zum Zitat Orford, J., Wardle, H., Griffiths, M., Sproston, K., & Erens, B. (2010). PGSI and DSM-IV in the 2007 British Gambling Prevalence Survey: Reliability, item response, factor structure and inter-scale agreement. International Gambling Studies, 10, 31–44.CrossRef Orford, J., Wardle, H., Griffiths, M., Sproston, K., & Erens, B. (2010). PGSI and DSM-IV in the 2007 British Gambling Prevalence Survey: Reliability, item response, factor structure and inter-scale agreement. International Gambling Studies, 10, 31–44.CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Pallesen, S., Mitsem, M., Kvale, G., Johnsen, B. H., & Molde, H. (2005). Outcome of psychological treatments of pathological gambling: A review and meta- analysis. Addiction, 100, 1412–1422.PubMedCrossRef Pallesen, S., Mitsem, M., Kvale, G., Johnsen, B. H., & Molde, H. (2005). Outcome of psychological treatments of pathological gambling: A review and meta- analysis. Addiction, 100, 1412–1422.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Petry, N. M., Weinstock, J., Ledgerwood, D., & Morasco, B. (2008). A randomized trial of brief interventions for problem and pathological gamblers. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76, 318–328.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef Petry, N. M., Weinstock, J., Ledgerwood, D., & Morasco, B. (2008). A randomized trial of brief interventions for problem and pathological gamblers. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76, 318–328.PubMedCentralPubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Productivity Commission. (2010). Gambling, Report no. 50, Canberra. Productivity Commission. (2010). Gambling, Report no. 50, Canberra.
Zurück zum Zitat Pulford, J., Bellringer, M., Abbott, M., Clarke, D., Hodgins, D., & Williams, J. (2009). Reasons for seeking help for a gambling problem: The experiences of gamblers who have sought specialist assistance and the perceptions of those who have not. Journal of Gambling Studies, 25, 19–32.PubMedCrossRef Pulford, J., Bellringer, M., Abbott, M., Clarke, D., Hodgins, D., & Williams, J. (2009). Reasons for seeking help for a gambling problem: The experiences of gamblers who have sought specialist assistance and the perceptions of those who have not. Journal of Gambling Studies, 25, 19–32.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Raylu, N., & Oei, T. P. (2004). Role of culture in gambling and problem gambling. Clinical Psychology Review, 23(8), 1087–1114.PubMedCrossRef Raylu, N., & Oei, T. P. (2004). Role of culture in gambling and problem gambling. Clinical Psychology Review, 23(8), 1087–1114.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Raylu, N., Oei, T. P. S., & Loo, J. (2008). The current status and future direction of self-help treatments for problem gamblers. Clinical Psychology Review, 28(8), 1372–1385.PubMedCrossRef Raylu, N., Oei, T. P. S., & Loo, J. (2008). The current status and future direction of self-help treatments for problem gamblers. Clinical Psychology Review, 28(8), 1372–1385.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Scull, S., & Woolcock, G. (2005). Problem gambling in non-English speaking background communities in Queensland, Australia: A qualitative exploration. International Gambling Studies, 5, 29–44.CrossRef Scull, S., & Woolcock, G. (2005). Problem gambling in non-English speaking background communities in Queensland, Australia: A qualitative exploration. International Gambling Studies, 5, 29–44.CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Stevens, M., Golbebiowska, K., & Morrison, P. (2010). Correlates of reported gambling problems in the CALD population of Australia. Melbourne: Office of Gaming & Racing, Department of Justice. Stevens, M., Golbebiowska, K., & Morrison, P. (2010). Correlates of reported gambling problems in the CALD population of Australia. Melbourne: Office of Gaming & Racing, Department of Justice.
Zurück zum Zitat Suurvali, H., Cordingley, J., Hodgins, D. C., & Cunningham, J. (2009). Barriers to seeking help for gambling problems: A review of the empirical literature. Journal of Gambling Studies, 25, 407–424.PubMedCrossRef Suurvali, H., Cordingley, J., Hodgins, D. C., & Cunningham, J. (2009). Barriers to seeking help for gambling problems: A review of the empirical literature. Journal of Gambling Studies, 25, 407–424.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Suurvali, H., Hodgins, D., Toneatto, T., & Cunningham, J. (2008). Treatment seeking among Ontario problem gamblers: Results of a population survey. Psychiatric Services, 59, 1343–1346.PubMedCrossRef Suurvali, H., Hodgins, D., Toneatto, T., & Cunningham, J. (2008). Treatment seeking among Ontario problem gamblers: Results of a population survey. Psychiatric Services, 59, 1343–1346.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Suurvali, H., Hodgins, D., Toneatto, T., & Cunningham, J. (2012). Motivators for seeking gambling-related treatment among Ontario problem gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies, 28, 273–296.PubMedCrossRef Suurvali, H., Hodgins, D., Toneatto, T., & Cunningham, J. (2012). Motivators for seeking gambling-related treatment among Ontario problem gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies, 28, 273–296.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Tavares, H., Martins, S. S., Zilberman, M. L., & el-Guebaly, N. (2002). Gamblers seeking treatment: Why haven’t they come earlier? Addictive Disorders & Their Treatment, 1, 65–69.CrossRef Tavares, H., Martins, S. S., Zilberman, M. L., & el-Guebaly, N. (2002). Gamblers seeking treatment: Why haven’t they come earlier? Addictive Disorders & Their Treatment, 1, 65–69.CrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Toneatto, T., & Ladoceur, R. (2003). Treatment of pathological gambling: A critical review of the literature. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 17, 284–292.PubMedCrossRef Toneatto, T., & Ladoceur, R. (2003). Treatment of pathological gambling: A critical review of the literature. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 17, 284–292.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Wardle, H., Moody, A., Spence, S., Orford, J., Volberg, R., Jotangia, D., et al. (2011). British gambling prevalence survey 2010. London: National Centre for Social Research. Wardle, H., Moody, A., Spence, S., Orford, J., Volberg, R., Jotangia, D., et al. (2011). British gambling prevalence survey 2010. London: National Centre for Social Research.
Zurück zum Zitat Welte, J. W., Barnes, G. M., Tidwell, M.-C. O., & Hoffman, J. H. (2008). The prevalence of problem gambling among U.S. adolescents and young adults: Results from a national survey. Journal of Gambling Studies, 24, 119–133.PubMedCrossRef Welte, J. W., Barnes, G. M., Tidwell, M.-C. O., & Hoffman, J. H. (2008). The prevalence of problem gambling among U.S. adolescents and young adults: Results from a national survey. Journal of Gambling Studies, 24, 119–133.PubMedCrossRef
Zurück zum Zitat Wooksoo, K. (2012). Acculturation and gambling in Asian Americans: When culture meets availability. International Gambling Studies, 12, 69–88.CrossRef Wooksoo, K. (2012). Acculturation and gambling in Asian Americans: When culture meets availability. International Gambling Studies, 12, 69–88.CrossRef
Metadaten
Titel
Professional Help-Seeking for Gambling Problems: Awareness, Barriers and Motivators for Treatment
verfasst von
Sally Gainsbury
Nerilee Hing
Niko Suhonen
Publikationsdatum
01.06.2014
Verlag
Springer US
Erschienen in
Journal of Gambling Studies / Ausgabe 2/2014
Elektronische ISSN: 1573-3602
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-013-9373-x

Weitere Artikel der Ausgabe 2/2014

Journal of Gambling Studies 2/2014 Zur Ausgabe