Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit will review the full range of responses available for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling. Primary, secondary and tertiary approaches will be considered in this unit.

This unit will consider the design, effectiveness and efficiency of public education approaches to diverting people at risk of developing problem gambling. It will also consider individual, family and group treatment methods and models for the treatment of problem gambling. Counselling methods including motivational and informational approaches, Peer-support programs, Self-help programs and Cognitive, Behavioural and Cognitive Behavioural therapies will be reviewed.

The implications of drug and alcohol addiction and/or mental health problems for the design and delivery of treatment programs for problem gambling will also be reviewed.

The course is designed for primary health care professionals and other professionals involved in services dealing with problem gamblers and their families.

Objectives

1. To critically analyse the design, effectiveness and efficiency of public education approaches to diverting people at risk of developing problem gambling
2. To critically analyse the key characteristics of individual family and group approaches to the treatment of problem gambling.
3. To critically analyse the design effectiveness and efficiency of the following treatment approaches for problem gambling:
1. Counselling methods including motivational and informational approaches;
2. Peer-support programs;
3. Self-help programs; and
4. Cognitive, Behavioural and Cognitive Behavioural therapies
4. To critically analyse the research evidence concerning the effectiveness of different therapies for problem gambling
5. To critically analyse the implications of drug and alcohol addiction and/or mental health problems for the design and delivery of treatment programs for problem gambling.

Assessment

Review of literature (20%); case study (20%); Essay (critical analysis) (60%).

Contact hours

12 hours per week including contact time and private study over the first semester - a total of 156 hours.