Gambling and help-seeking experiences of serving United Kingdom Royal Air Force members

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Author(s): Champion, Hannah ; Pritchard, Amy ; Dighton, Glen ; Dymond, Simon

Journal: Frontiers in Psychiatry

Year Published: 2022

Date Added: March 09, 2023

Serving in the military is a risky and stressful occupation. The nature of military service might be a risk factor for risky behaviour, such as problem gambling. This study examined the lived experiences of serving members of the United Kingdom Royal Air Force (RAF) with problem gambling and help-seeking. A total of 17 currently serving members were interviewed. The findings identified several factors that influenced perceptions and experiences of gambling and help-seeking. These included harmful and protective occupational factors; socio-cultural and personal influences; organizational attitudes towards mental health and help-seeking; and support pathways and provision.

Citation: Champion, H., Pritchard, A., Dighton, G., & Dymond, S. (2022). Gambling problems and help-seeking in serving United Kingdom military personnel: A qualitative study. Frontiers in Psychiatry 13, 1003457. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1003457

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1003457

Keywords: alcohol ; COVID-19 ; gambling ; help-seeking ; mental health ; military personnel

Topics: Comorbidities ; Substance Use

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological Factors ; Social - Social Demographics ; Resources - Service Access and Use ; Social Factors ; Gambling Resources ; Resources - Interventions

Study Design: Qualitative: Content Analysis

Geographic Coverage: United Kingdom

Study Population: Currently serving United Kingdom Air Force members (18 years and older) (n = 18)

Sampling Procedure: A total of 647 people who completed a larger survey were interested in participating in follow-up interviews. Of this total, 20 people were purposefully selected because of the range of their gambling severity score. This sample size was decided based on level of interest and when data saturation was reached. Data saturation is the point by which no new information or patterns are being discovered.

Study Funding:

This work was supported by the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.