Social workers’ gambling knowledge and experience in gambling treatment

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Author(s): Nower, Lia ; Anthony, Wen Li ; Stanmyre, Jackie F. ; Behan, Douglas

Journal: Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions

Year Published: 2022

Date Added: June 15, 2022

Social workers are well-positioned to identify people who are experiencing gambling problems before they develop gambling disorder. But social workers often do not have the training or knowledge to do so effectively. This study examined the current state of gambling-related knowledge of social workers. The researchers surveyed 1,777 social workers, who were primarily licensed in the State of New Jersey, USA. Social workers were asked 23 knowledge questions about gambling, gambling disorder, and associated symptoms. On average, participants answered less than half of the knowledge questions correctly. Participants who had practiced in the field of social work for 8 to 15 years, were employed in substance use treatment facilities or universities, and/or had training in gambling treatment answered more questions correctly.

Citation: Nower, L., Anthony, W. L., Stanmyre, J. F., & Behan, D. (2022). Gambling knowledge and experience among clinical social workers. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/1533256X.2022.2059849

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/1533256X.2022.2059849

Keywords: addiction ; comorbidities ; education ; gambling disorder ; gambling experiences ; problem gambling ; screening ; social work ; treatment

Topics: Comorbidities ; Gambling and the Brain ; Information for Operators ; Information for Treatment Providers

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological - Comorbid Disorders ; Gambling Resources ; Resources - Interventions

Study Design: Descriptive: Survey

Geographic Coverage: United States of America

Study Population: The sample consisted of 1,777 clinical social workers who were primarily licensed to practice in the state of New Jersey, USA. Most of the participants were women (88.8%) and practiced in New Jersey (90.1%). More than half of the social workers had practiced in the profession for 15 or more years (55.2%), and 23.7% had practiced for 8 to 15 years. Participants mostly practiced in mental health agencies (17.3%) or private practice (15.6%). But some participants worked in university settings (3.8%) or substance use treatment facilities (2.9%).

Sampling Procedure: The researchers emailed the survey to social workers over 18 years of age who had attended continuing education courses in social work over the last 10 years at a large public university. It is not possible to calculate the response rate because there were many repeat and/or outdated email addresses in the email list.

Study Funding:

No funding was reported for this study.