Zusammenfassung
Purpose Gambling poses severe mental health strains for family members, partners and friends of the gamblers. However, so far no established concept to support these concerned significant others (CSOs) exists. Therefore, on the one hand relevant framework conditions and content-related aspects of working with the CSOs of people with gambling problems ought to be considered and on the other hand ...
Zusammenfassung
Purpose Gambling poses severe mental health strains for family members, partners and friends of the gamblers. However, so far no established concept to support these concerned significant others (CSOs) exists. Therefore, on the one hand relevant framework conditions and content-related aspects of working with the CSOs of people with gambling problems ought to be considered and on the other hand an outline for a future short intervention was developed. Methods Web-based survey of German addiction care staff (n=102) and group discussion with CSOs (n=4) in autumn 2019 Results The addiction care employees named money management, dealing with emotions, relationship counselling, psychoeducation and how to deal with a gambling partner/kid as the most important topics. Most respondents stated that they worked with the CSOs in individual settings (68%) in an average of 3 sessions (median 2.5; min=1; max=15). The interval between sessions was 3 weeks on average (median 2 weeks). For the planned short intervention, the three most important topics were helping the gambler to take responsibility again and thus increase their own well-being (69%), problem/stress exploration (42%) and tips for securing financial livelihoods (28%). The most frequently cited factor for successful counselling of CSOs as well as for their adherence was creating a positive or appreciative relationship. The results from the group discussion with CSOs point in a similar direction. CSOs considered how to deal as CSO with the gambler, setting limits/responsibilities and receiving specific tips as the most important topics; however, the CSOs were more concerned with getting it "right" while the focus of the addiction care was on differentiation and the CSO's own well-being. Conclusion The study provides important information on relevant topics and content for working with CSOs of people with gambling problems. Based on these results, the next step is to develop a short intervention. However, there is a need for further research with regard to counselling methods. Furthermore, it should be investigated how CSOs' access the help system and its popularity can be optimized and existing barriers can be reduced.
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