Client Views of Contingency Management in Gambling Treatment: A Thematic Analysis

Lucy Dorey, Jack McGarrigle, Richard May, Alice E. Hoon and Simon Dymond ()
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Lucy Dorey: School of Psychology, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
Jack McGarrigle: School of Psychology, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
Richard May: School of Psychology and Therapeutic Studies, University of South Wales, Pontypridd CF37 1DL, UK
Alice E. Hoon: Swansea University Medical School, Singleton Campus, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK
Simon Dymond: School of Psychology, Swansea University, Singleton Campus, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 24, 1-15

Abstract: Low levels of treatment access and poor retention among those with gambling problems suggests a need to improve treatment. Contingency management (CM) is a behavioural intervention involving the identification of target behaviours and the provision of incentives when targets are met. There exists a substantial evidence base for CM increasing abstinence and attendance in substance misuse treatment, but this has not been widely extended to gambling treatment setting. This study sought to explore the views of clients about CM for the treatment of problematic and disordered gambling. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 gambling treatment clients who were, or had previously been, engaged in treatment in Great Britain. Participants were provided with an explanation of CM, two hypothetical scenarios, and two structured questionnaires to facilitate discussion. Thematic analysis was used to interpret findings. Some participants felt that clients could manipulate CM while in treatment to obtain money to gamble, and that mechanisms of CM could trigger recovering clients into relapse. Participants also identified potential benefits of CM to achieve treatment goals, by enhancing motivation and engagement while in treatment, and helping bring people into treatment earlier. Gambling treatment clients broadly supported the use of incentives for treatment. CM is seen as a facilitator of extended engagement in treatment, and an encouragement for clients to make progress in the treatment process.

Keywords: contingency management; gambling; treatment; thematic analysis; qualitative (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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