Closing a Treatment Gap in Ontario: Pilot of a Tutorial Workbook for Women Gamblers

Abstract

Past research has shown that treatment services for problem gambling are being underutilized in Ontario, especially by women. Our pilot study involves the development of a Tutorial Workbook (TW) designed specifically to address the special issues and treatment needs of women who gamble and develop consequent problems. Investigators tested the effectiveness of the intervention and reviewed comments from women gamblers on the contents and layout of the workbook. The TW study involved 12 modules and required progress update and feedback forms for each. A mixed method analysis was used to evaluate the intervention, with quantitative and qualitative feedbacks indicating that it was well received by participants. The majority reported that the program helped them modify gambling behaviours through increased understanding and awareness of their triggers. They reported feeling better about themselves, improved mood and anxiety levels, feeling less isolated, positive changes in their relationships and hope for the future. Their input provided suggestions for changes to the TW. The TW will serve women seeking selfhelp materials, including on-line or paper-based support. As such, it expands services to reach a sub-group of women who might not otherwise seek or accept treatment because of a variety of barriers.Keywords: Women and gambling, problem gambling, treatment, self-help work book RésuméDans des recherches faites précédemment, on a montré que les services de traitement de problèmes liés au jeu compulsif sont sous-utilisés en Ontario, surtout par les femmes. Notre étude pilote a porté sur la conception d'un cahier didactique conc¸u spécialement pour répondre aux problèmes particuliers et aux besoins de traitement des femmes qui s'adonnent au jeu et développent des problèmes connexes. Les chercheurs ont testé l'efficacité de l'intervention et analysé les commentaires faits par

Case study of A Pilot Online Treatment Service for Problem Gambling

“…This is not surprising given the impulsive nature of problem gambling. Previous studies have found that people with gambling problems have a poor record of commitment to long therapy (Bartel et al, 2020, Rush, Moxam, & Urbanoski, 2002Toneatto, 2016;Wall et al, 2021) and the attrition rate in therapy is high (Wulfert, Blanchard, Freidenberg, & Martell, 2006;Boughton et al, 2017;Wall et al, 2021). For example, in a recent study of brief support by Wall et al (2021) only 23% of the participants completed all 4 modules, and only 10% of the participants completed the gambling log for longer than 14 days.…”

“…For example, in a recent study of brief support by Wall et al (2021) only 23% of the participants completed all 4 modules, and only 10% of the participants completed the gambling log for longer than 14 days. Similarly, Boughton et al (2017) had a completion rate of 44% (11/25) and only 15% of her clients attended all 12 of her webinar sessions. In addition, in the current study, among the 16 participants who completed the pre-treatment…”

“…In addition, scheduling of assessment and treatment sessions had to work around the schedules for the therapist as well as the clients. Boughton et al (2016Boughton et al ( , 2017) also reported some difficulty setting up and recruiting participants for her remote counseling webinars. These projects, however, do show that group therapy for people with gambling problems over the internet is possible and provides an important missing element to the clients who are participating in remote counseling.…”

“…Online treatment services could potentially mitigate the barriers to accessing treatment experienced by many people with gambling problems (Boughton & Brewster, 2002;Boughton, Jindani, & Turner, 2016;Boughton, Jindani, & Turner, 2017). Online treatment could also increase accessibility for treatment during unanticipated events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

Prevalence of Problem Gambling Among Women Using Shelter and Drop-in Services

“…A gender-responsive framework for care will acknowledge how women's pathways into gambling and their help-seeking differ from men and within diverse groups of women. Several studies from across disciplines (gambling, addiction, criminal justice) point to the need for gender-responsive treatment that addresses the unique needs and experiences of women (Boughton, 2003;Boughton et al, 2017;Covington & Bloom, 2007;Covington et al, 2008;Wright et al, 2007). Future research must gather knowledge on the needs of women who seek shelter services to better tailor treatment to their unique situations.…”