An evidence based approach to stigma reduction

Session Title

Session 3-1-A: Preventing Gambling-related Harm

Presenters

Mina HazarFollow
Adela ColhonFollow

Presentation Type

Event

Location

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, Nevada

Start Date

30-5-2019 9:00 AM

End Date

30-5-2019 10:25 AM

Disciplines

Other Education

Abstract

There are effective treatment options for people experiencing gambling-related problems but problem gambling stigma serves as a barrier to accessing these supports and resources. In order to address this, the YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program:

• Conducted a literature review on stigma and gambling. With only 13 empirical studies, gambling stigma was found as an under-researched priority and as such stigma pertaining to other addictions and mental health problems was reviewed.

• Performed the Meta-analysis of evidence-based interventions for stigma

• Facilitated focus groups with educators and professionals in the field of gambling/problem gambling as well as youth

• Evaluated the impact of the developed tool on changing attitudes and behaviors with regards to stigma and gambling.

By addressing the nature of problem gambling as an addiction, and facilitating discussions on language, attitudes and behaviors towards people with gambling problems, this session aims at lowering public stigma and increasing positive attitudes towards treatment. It mainly discusses practical strategies that break stigma and support recovery.

Keywords

Literature review, meta-analysis, evidence based interventions, gambling, stigma, attitudes, behaviors, stories of recovery, stigmatizing versus stigmatized, language matters, a tool for stigma reduction

Author Bios

Mina Hazar is the Bilingual Manager of Youth Gambling Awareness Program and Y4Y Gambling Education Program, two provincial education/prevention initiatives. Proactive to youth/problem gambling trends, research, and evidence-based methodologies, Mina has initiated and directed development of education/prevention programming and collaborated on research. Mina holds B.S in Computer Software Engineering and MA in Leadership Studies.

Adela Colhon, General Manager of National and Provincial Programs, is responsible for a variety of programs both National and Provincial in scope, including Youth Gambling Awareness Program and Youth for Youth Gambling Education. Adela has studied Management at the Schulich School of Business, York University and holds a B.S. in Engineering.

Funding Sources

GREO: Gambling Research Exchange Ontario & The Ministry of Health and Long Term Care (Ontario, Canada) were funders for the study and the development of the tool

Competing Interests

There are no competing interests to report

Comments

YMCA Youth Gambling Awareness Program (YGAP) is recipient of Excellence in Prevention Award at the 31st U.S. National Council's conference on Problem Gambling in July 2017 and founding member of National Gambling Education and Prevention Alliance of Canada.