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Cited by 261Gambling Behavior and TreatmentsSubstance Abuse Treatment and OutcomesMental Health Treatment and Access

Barriers to Seeking Help for Gambling Problems: A Review of the Empirical Literature

Suurvali, Helen, Cordingley, Joanne, Hodgins, David C., Cunningham, John·2009·Journal of Gambling Studies
DOI 10.1007/s10899-009-9129-9
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Abstract

This literature review summarizes recent empirical research on obstacles preventing problem gamblers from seeking treatment for their gambling problems. Relevant databases and bibliographies were searched for English-language papers and reports published since 1998. The only methodological requirement was that gamblers themselves be asked about reasons for not seeking help. Nineteen studies conducted in five countries were identified. All except one targeted adults. Despite differences in methodology, many of the same barriers to treatment were identified. Most commonly reported barriers were: wish to handle problem by oneself; shame/embarrassment/stigma; unwillingness to admit problem; and issues with treatment itself. The authors of the review argue that unwillingness to admit to the problem may be even more prevalent than is typically indicated by the results of barriers studies. Other frequently reported barriers included lack of knowledge about treatment options and practical issues around attending treatment. More research is needed on barriers to treatment-seeking experienced by subgroups of gamblers defined by culture, ethnicity, gender, age. Open-ended questioning methods can help provide insights into what barrier categories mean to different groups and individuals. Input directly from gamblers can be combined with information from other kinds of studies to devise better ways of reaching problem gamblers, especially those in underserviced populations.

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Crossref · 10.1007/s10899-009-9129-9

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  • Various barriers, such as stigma, prevent people from seeking professional help for mental health problems.

    “In addition to inadequate staffing, various other barriers, such as stigma (9, 10), prevent people from seeking professional help for mental health problems.”

    From Digital Therapeutic Alliance With Fully Automated Mental Health Smartphone Apps: A Narrative Review (2022) · cites this paper as [10]

  • Several obstacles curb help-seeking: need for anonymity or autonomy, shame, and denial, as well as limited availability or accessibility of interventions.

    “Several obstacles curb help-seeking: need for anonymity or autonomy, shame, and denial (Suurvali et al., 2009; Priester et al., 2016), as well as limited availability (Rockloff and Schofield, 2004) or accessibility of interventions (i.e., scheduling conflicts, transportation difficulties; Clarke, 2007; Priester et al., 2016).”

    From Online and Mobile Interventions for Problem Gambling, Alcohol, and Drugs: A Systematic Review (2017) · cites this paper as Suurvali et al., 2009

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Authors
Suurvali, H., Cordingley, J., Hodgins, D. C., & Cunningham, J.
Affiliations
  • Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CA)
  • University of Calgary (CA)
Corresponding author
Suurvali, Helen
ORCID
Venue
Journal of Gambling Studies
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Published
2009-06-24
Volume
25
Issue
3
Pages
407-424
ISSN
  • 1050-5350 (ISSN-L)
  • 1573-3602
DOI
10.1007/s10899-009-9129-9
OpenAlex
W2063516642
Cited by
261
References
28
Citations by year
2026: 22 · 2025: 14 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 24 · 2022: 23 · 2021: 15 · 2020: 18 · 2019: 19 · 2018: 20 · 2017: 20 · 2016: 14 · 2015: 19 · 2014: 13 · 2013: 11 · 2012: 7
FWCI
0.86
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
www.springer.com/tdm (tdm)
Locations
  • Journal of Gambling Studies (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • ANU Open Research (Australian National University) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Gambling Behavior and Treatments
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Mental Health Treatment and Access
Keywords
problem gambling, barriers to treatment, help-seeking, stigma and shame, self-help, treatment knowledge, underserved populations
MeSH terms
Adult, Aged, Communication Barriers, Denial, Psychological, Female, Gambling, Humans, Internal-External Control, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice, Male, Middle Aged, Patient Acceptance of Health Care, Self Care, Social Environment, Socioeconomic Factors, Behavior, Addictive, Patient Satisfaction, Self Efficacy, Intention

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