E-mental health programme for people who are affected by others' gambling problems

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Author(s): Buchner, Ursula Gisela ; Koytek, Annalena ; Wodarz, Norbert ; Wolstein, Jorg

Journal: International Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2019

Date Added: April 13, 2021

In this study, the researchers developed and tested if an e-mental health programme could reach people affected by someone else's gambling in Germany. A total of 6357 visits to the website were logged. The majority of participants found out about the site through leaflets that were distributed to the public. The average time spent on the site was just over 7 minutes. More than half the visits lasted less than 30 seconds. About 3.5% of the visitors to the site became participants in the e-mental health programme. Of the 126 participants, about one-third completed all modules. One-third of the participants did not finish the programme, and one-third did not start the programme. Two-thirds of participants had not sought professional support or self-help before the programme. Those who started but did not complete the programme reported the highest levels of psychological distress. The results suggest that e-mental health programmes could reach and be helpful for affected family members.

Citation: Buchner, U. G., Koytek, A., Wodarz, N., & Wolstein, J. (2019). Is an e-mental health programme a viable way to reach affected others of disordered gamblers? A feasibility study focusing on access and retention. International Gambling Studies, 19(1), 85-105. https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2018.1515974

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2018.1515974

Keywords: affected others ; family ; Internet-based interventions ; mental health ; mental health services ; pathological gambling ; self help ; treatment programs

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

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological Factors ; Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Social - Family and Peer Gambling Involvement ; Resources - Service Access and Use ; Gambling Resources ; Resources - Interventions

Study Design: Other Quantitative

Geographic Coverage: Austria ; Germany

Study Population: N = 126 individuals affected by others’ gambling problems who became participants in the e-mental health programme

Sampling Procedure: Convenience sampling – the researchers advertised the e-mental health programme using various ways. They introduced the programme to professionals, inpatient treatment facilities, and coordination sites specialized in gambling disorder. They also advertised the programme to other related services in Germany and Austria that did not specialize in gambling problems or addictions in general (e.g., family counselling centres). Finally, the researchers advertised on Facebook and newspaper articles and distributed leaflets to the public.

Study Funding:

This study was funded by a grant from the Bavarian State Ministry of Public Health and Care Services.