Source: New Zealand Ministry of Health
This research sought to understand what constitutes gambling relapse and to identify factors that are associated with relapse. Relapse was defined as a decrease in Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) risk level category followed by a subsequent increase to a higher category. The aims of the research were to understand whether changes to PGSI scores is an appropriate method to identify relapse, the prevalence of relapse, the risk factors associated with relapse and any cultural and/or socio-economic differences. It includes a literature review and surveys of 388 selected participants who were scored as a risky gambler on the PGSI over an eight-year period (derived from National Gambling Study data, 2012-2020).
The findings show that changes to PGSI scores over time (ie, increases in PGSI risk level after a decrease) was found to be a useful and valid way to identify relapse. The prevalence of relapse in the 388 participants was 24%. The strongest predictor for relapse was being identified as a previous problem/pathological gambler.
Counsellors providing treatment services could use the PGSI results (especially changes to specific questions relating to being criticised and feeling guilty about gambling) to monitor a client’s risk of relapse in conjunction with observing potential gambling relapse behaviours, such as increased gambling expenditure after stopping and seeking help. Building a composite picture of a client’s risk of relapse can assist support services to act accordingly. However, as most at-risk gamblers do not seek professional help, gambling providers who collect gambling-related data from their customers could also significantly contribute to reducing harm by monitoring for signs of gambling relapse behaviours and also act accordingly.
