Comparing the efficacy of web-based intervention and email counselling

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Author(s): Jonas, Benjamin ; Leuschner, Fabian ; Eiling, Anna ; Schoelen, Christine ; Soellner, Renate ; Tossmann, Peter

Journal: Journal of Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2019

Date Added: November 24, 2019

This study examined the effectiveness of a web-based program ‘Check Out’ (CO) and email counselling (EC) for problem gambling. The researchers recruited 167 participants. They randomly assigned them into CO, EC, or waitlist groups. Results revealed that those in the CO group reduced their gambling and increased their general well-being more than the waitlist group. The EC group also showed improvements in gambling. Compared to EC, the effects of CO appeared to be stronger. The CO group also reported stronger relationships with their counsellors and used the intervention for longer time. EC could perhaps be used as a first step towards more comprehensive counselling (e.g., CO alone or in combination with other therapy).

Citation: Jonas, B., Leuschner, F., Eiling, A., Schoelen, C., Soellner, R., & Tossmann, P. (2019). Web‑based intervention and email‑counseling for problem gamblers: Results of a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Gambling Studies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-019-09883-8

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-019-09883-8

Keywords: counselling ; email ; gambling disorder ; pathological gambling ; prevention ; problem gambling

Topics: Family and Friends ; Gambling Resources ; Information for Operators ; Information for Treatment Providers ; Prevention

Conceptual Framework Factors: Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Gambling Resources ; Resources - Interventions

Response Rate: 86.5% [167 participants in the study divided by 193 contacted]; follow-up rates of 53.9% [3 months], 47.3% [6 months] and 55.5% [12 months]

Study Design: Experimental: RCT (randomized controlled trial)

Geographic Coverage: Germany

Study Population: Adults who were seeking counselling for gambling problems through the prevention website offered by the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA).

Sampling Procedure: Targeted and randomized sampling was used. First, the researchers recruited participants who chose to visit the prevention website offered by the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA). Second, they randomized the participants into three groups: web-based program ‘Check Out’ (CO), email counselling (EC), and waitlist (WL).

Study Funding:

This research was funded by the BZgA (via the German Federal Ministry of Health).