Augmenting an Online Self-Directed Intervention for Gambling Disorder with a Single Motivational Interview: A Randomized Controlled Trial 3-Month Follow-Up
Date
2021-08-16
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Despite the success of gold standard cognitive-behavioural therapy for problem and disordered gambling, most individuals with gambling problems do not seek or receive professional treatment. Thus, the development of less intrusive interventions has been encouraged. A two-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted. Eligible participants (N = 123) were randomly assigned to complete an online self-directed workbook either alone or in combination with a digital motivational interview completed upon enrollment. Gambling severity, frequency, and expenditures were assessed along with other mental health outcome data at baseline and 3-month follow-up time points. Participant retention (83.7%) was very high compared to similar prior trials. Gamblers in both groups experienced similar reductions across all primary and secondary outcomes, with the exception of alcohol consumption. A number of methodological limitations and theoretical explanations could account for the overall lack of differential improvement by group, including inadequate interview completion rate and short duration of intervention. Participants’ use of the online program was limited but their ratings were generally positive; they emphasized information quality as a strength and program engagement as a weakness. Given that time spent on the program and number of logins were positively associated with reductions in gambling problems, future research should examine ways to enhance online intervention engagement and uptake.
Description
Keywords
gambling disorder, motivational interview, addiction, randomized controlled trial, internet intervention
Citation
Brazeau, B.. W. (2021). Augmenting an Online Self-Directed Intervention for Gambling Disorder with a Single Motivational Interview: A Randomized Controlled Trial 3-Month Follow-Up (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.