Motivational interviewing for problem gambling at a community-based service and the effects of practitioner behaviours

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Author(s): Milic, Jelena ; Lohan, Aditi ; Petch, Jemima ; Turner, Wesley ; Casey, Leanne M.

Journal: Journal of Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2021

Date Added: September 10, 2021

This study explored the effects on problem gambling and psychological distress when motivational interviewing (MI) was delivered at a community-based gambling help service. The researchers also explored if practitioner behaviours affected client outcomes. Participants were 146 new clients. They completed five assessments over an 18-month period. Their first calls to the service when they received the MI session were recorded and coded for practitioner behaviours. The results showed that participants improved their problem gambling severity and psychological distress. The improvements were small at 1 to 2 weeks after the MI session and were larger by the 18-month follow-up. Practitioner behaviours that did not adhere to MI principles had a negative effect on client outcomes.

Citation: Milic, J., Lohan, A., Petch, J., Turner, W., & Casey, L. (2021). The effectiveness of a motivational interviewing treatment for help‑seeking problem gamblers in a community organization. Journal of Gambling Studies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-021-10045-y

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-021-10045-y

Keywords: community-based study ; help-seeking ; Motivational Interviewing (MI) ; problem gambling severity ; psychological distress ; treatment

Topics: Information for Treatment Providers

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

Response Rate: 34.19% (146 out of 427 invited)

Study Design: Evaluation Design

Geographic Coverage: Australia

Study Population: Adults who were a first-time client or recontacting a community-based gambling help service as a new client (N = 146)

Sampling Procedure: Clients were invited by one of the 26 gambling help service practitioners to participate in this study at their first phone call to the service.

Study Funding:

This study was supported by Relationships Australia Queensland. A part of this study was funded by the Queensland Department of Justice and Attorney-General.