A Self-Applied Psychological Treatment for Gambling-Related Problems via The Internet: A Pilot, Feasibility Study

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of an online psychological intervention for individuals with gambling-related problems, supported by ecological momentary assessments and interventions (EMAs and EMIs), along with weekly phone-calls, before conducting a randomized contro...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of gambling studies 2024-05, Vol.40 (3), p.1623-1651
Main Authors: Diaz-Sanahuja, Laura, Suso-Ribera, Carlos, Lucas, Ignacio, Jiménez-Murcia, Susana, Tur, Cintia, Gual-Montolio, Patricia, Paredes-Mealla, Macarena, García-Palacios, Azucena, Bretón-López, Juana María
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adherence
Clinical trials
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive-behavioral factors
Community and Environmental Psychology
Ecological momentary assessment
Economics
Feasibility
Fidelity
Gambling
Innovations
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Original Paper
Pathological gambling
Psychiatry
Psychological intervention
Sociology
Technology
Usability
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Summary:The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of an online psychological intervention for individuals with gambling-related problems, supported by ecological momentary assessments and interventions (EMAs and EMIs), along with weekly phone-calls, before conducting a randomized controlled trial. Participants were required to complete 3 of the 8 modules of the program based on cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and extensions and innovations of CBT. The study measured the outcomes of feasibility (i.e., reach, appropriateness, technology literacy and technology usability, fidelity, and adherence). In terms of reach, 19.8% ( n  = 11) of the initial population met the inclusion criteria and completed the three modules ( mean age  = 41; 90.9% men). The perceived appropriateness and the technology usability after the first use were both excellent, fidelity and adherence to the online treatment (73.3%) were adequate. Adherence to the EMAs and the weekly phone calls were more modest (54.51% and 66.67%, respectively). The results of the present study show that an online treatment for gambling problems enhanced by EMA and EMI might be feasible but challenges were noted in terms of reach and adherence to these assessments and calls. These challenges are important to consider for future trials and the scalability of treatments for individuals with gambling disorders.
ISSN:1573-3602
1050-5350
1573-3602
DOI:10.1007/s10899-024-10318-2