Behavior Change Techniques and Delivery Modes in Interventions Targeting Adolescent Gambling: A Systematic Review

Tom St Quinton; Ben Morris; Dylan Pickering; Debbie M Smith

doi:10.1007/s10899-022-10108-8

Behavior Change Techniques and Delivery Modes in Interventions Targeting Adolescent Gambling: A Systematic Review

J Gambl Stud. 2022 Dec;38(4):1503-1528. doi: 10.1007/s10899-022-10108-8. Epub 2022 Mar 3.

Authors

Tom St Quinton¹, Ben Morris², Dylan Pickering³, Debbie M Smith⁴

Affiliations

¹ School of Social and Health Sciences, Leeds Trinity University, Brownberrie Lane, LS18 5HD, Leeds, UK. t.stquinton@leedstrinity.ac.uk.
² School of Social and Health Sciences, Leeds Trinity University, Brownberrie Lane, LS18 5HD, Leeds, UK.
³ Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
⁴ Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.

Abstract

Background: Adolescent gambling can lead to significant harms, yet participation rates continue to rise. Interventions targeting gambling reduction have been implemented in this population. However, it is not clear which behavior change techniques (BCTs) and modes of delivery (MOD) are most effective at reducing gambling.

Objective: The objective of the study was to identify 'promising' BCTs and MODs by systematically reviewing interventions targeting adolescent gambling behavior. 'Promising' was defined as those present in at least 25% of all interventions and in at least two effective interventions.

Methods: Three databases were searched (PsycINFO, Medline, and Scopus) from database inception to May 2021. Interventions were eligible if they were randomized controlled trials; targeting adolescents (aged 10-25 years); and assessing gambling behavior post-intervention. BCTs were identified using the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy v1.

Results: From the initial 3,315 studies, the removal of duplicates and ineligible articles resulted in sixteen studies included in the review. Eleven of these reported successfully reducing gambling behavior. Eighteen BCTs and six MODs were used across the interventions. The BCTs identified as promising were '4.2. Information about antecedents', '4.4. Behavioral experiments', '5.3. Information about social and environmental consequences', and '5.6. Information about emotional consequences'. Promising MODs were 'face-to-face', 'computer', and 'playable electronic storage'.

Conclusions: The study reviewed the content of interventions targeting adolescent gambling behavior. Four BCTs were identified as promising and should therefore be adopted in future interventions. To facilitate the delivery of these techniques, the study also identified three promising MODs. Interventions developed using these BCTs and MODs may successfully reduce adolescent gambling behavior.

Keywords: Adolescents; Behavior change techniques; Delivery mode; Gambling.

Publication types

Systematic Review
Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Behavior Therapy / methods
Gambling* / psychology
Humans
Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic