2023/2024
Major Grants
Help on Demand: Development of a Personalized Gambling Self-Help Smartphone App (#100)
Project Approved 2023-24
Dr. David C Hodgins (Principal Investigator)
Department of Psychology, University of Calgary
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Mr. Brad W. Brazeau (Co-Principal Investigator)
Department of Psychology, University of Calgary
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Dr. John A. Cunningham (Co-Principal Investigator)
National Addictions Centre
King’s College, London
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Description
Evidence-based digital self-help apps for gambling problems are few in number but effective for those that engage with them; however, user engagement remains low. Efforts to increase engagement via clinician contact has mixed evidence and negates many benefits of self-help (e.g., privacy, accessibility, independence). The current study proposes to translate an existing evidence-based workbook into a smartphone app by modifying features (e.g., notifications) and allowing for user personalization, which is expected to maintain the benefits and cost-effectiveness of self-help without more demand for user motivation, external resources, or clinician support.
Timeframe: December 1, 2023 to December 31, 2025
Addiction Substitution and Natural Recovery: Using a Pathways Model Lens (#101)
Project Approved 2023-24
Dr. Darren Christensen (Principal Investigator)
Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge
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Dr. Youssef Allami (Co-Principal Investigator)
Faculty of Health Sciences
University of Lethbridge
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Dr. Hyoun S. (Andrew) Kim (Co-Principal Investigator)
Department of Psychology
University of Calgary
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Dr. David C Hodgins (Co-Principal Investigator)
Department of Psychology, University of Calgary
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Description
Most people with problem gambling recover naturally – without seeking treatment – while others develop a new addiction. Studies on addiction substitution and natural recovery find inconsistent results, possibly because of the way they were conducted. This research project will examine these two concepts using a prospective longitudinal design, through the point of view of the Pathways Model of Problem Gambling.
Timeframe: December 1, 2023 to November 30, 2026