Augmenting an online self-directed intervention for gambling disorder with a single motivational interview: study...

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Psychology
• Digital Health Interventions
• Addiction Research

Background:

• Most individuals with gambling problems do not seek professional treatment.
• Self-directed interventions are needed due to low treatment seeking.
• Online self-directed interventions for gambling disorder are under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the additive benefit of a digital motivational interview to an online self-directed gambling intervention.
• To evaluate the efficacy of a digital motivational interview in conjunction with an online self-help program for problem gambling and gambling disorder.

Main Methods:

• A two-arm randomized controlled trial with 270 participants recruited online in Canada.
• Participants receive an online self-directed gambling intervention; one group also receives a digital motivational interview.
• Primary outcomes (gambling severity, frequency, expenditures) and secondary outcomes (mental health, alcohol use) tracked over 24 months.

Main Results:

• Expected reduction in gambling severity, frequency, and expenditures for both groups.
• Anticipated greater symptom improvement in the group receiving the supplemental digital motivational interview.

Conclusions:

• This trial will inform best practices for online self-help interventions for problem gambling.
• Results will contribute to the development of accessible digital treatments for gambling disorder.