Abstract
Problem gambling screeners are easily accessible and potentially reduce harm for those individuals who engage in risky levels of gambling behavior. However, a recent study found that when frequent gamblers were offered the chance to complete a screener and receive feedback, most chose not to do so. In this paper, secondary analysis was completed on frequent gamblers’ open-ended responses to questions regarding reasons for and against completing a problem gambling screener. Participants (N = 262) were individuals who gambled at least once per week and were not currently being treated for gambling problems. A qualitative open-coding procedure independently completed by multiple researchers revealed that the most common reasons for completing the screener were individuals having a desire to check in on their behavior, because they were curious about the screener, because they were experiencing gambling-related harm, or that they were already considering making changes to their gambling. The most common reasons against completing the screener were that they were either avoidant of the experience because they thought it might cause psychological distress, or because they believed that they did not have a problem. This study provides insight into why many individuals who engage in risky levels of gambling behavior do not seek out helping resources. In addition to creating practically accessible helping resources, researchers should focus on techniques that can make help-seeking a less distressing and more acceptable experience.
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Data has not been stored in a publicly accessible repository but can be made available for via direct requests to the corresponding author.
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Funding
This study was supported by a dissertation grant from the International Center for Responsible Gaming, and by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. The contents of this study contents are solely our own responsibility and do not necessarily represent the official views of the funding agencies.
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All procedures performed in this study involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments and comparable ethical standards.
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Peter, S.C., Horn, T.L., McPhail, A. et al. Frequent Gamblers’ Reasons for and Against Completing a Problem Gambling Screener. J Gambl Stud 37, 1335–1346 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-021-10010-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-021-10010-9