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Internet-Based Delivery of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Compared to Monitoring, Feedback and Support for Problem
Leanne M Casey1, Tian P S Oei2,3,4, Namrata Raylu2
1School of Applied Psychology, Behavioural Basis of Health, Menzies Health Institute, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt Campus, Messines Ridge Road, Mt Gravatt, QLD, 4122, Australia. l.casey@griffith.edu.auc.
Journal of Gambling Studies
|January 27, 2017
Summary
Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (I-CBT) effectively treats problem gambling, showing greater improvements in urges, cognitions, and life satisfaction compared to monitoring and feedback. Gains remained stable at 12 months.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Digital Health
Background:
- Problem gambling is a significant public health issue.
- Existing treatments may have limited accessibility and engagement.
- Online interventions offer a potential solution for increasing treatment access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of Internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (I-CBT) against a waitlist control and an active online monitoring, feedback, and support (I-MFS) condition for problem gambling.
- To assess the impact of I-CBT on gambling severity, urges, cognitions, stress, and life satisfaction.
- To evaluate the long-term stability of treatment gains.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 174 participants with problem gambling.
- Participants were allocated to I-CBT, I-MFS, or a waitlist control group.
- Active conditions involved completing six online modules, with assessments at baseline and follow-up.
Main Results:
- Both I-CBT and I-MFS significantly reduced gambling severity compared to the waitlist control.
- I-CBT demonstrated superior outcomes over I-MFS across seven measures, including gambling urges, cognitions, stress, and life satisfaction.
- Treatment gains were stable at 12-month follow-up for both active conditions.
Conclusions:
- I-CBT is a more effective online treatment for problem gambling than monitoring and feedback alone.
- The benefits of I-CBT extend beyond non-specific effects of online engagement.
- Online interventions like I-CBT can enhance help-seeking and treatment engagement for problem gamblers.
