Online peer support for Gambling Harm

This research explores the experiences of, and implications for, individuals from minoritized groups and those who bear disproportionate burden of gambling harm. As part of a package of work to understand more about experiences of online support by a diverse selection of people with experience of gambling harms, the work packages will explore how people from minoritized communities experience this type of support. In addition to estimating the prevalence of engagement with online versus other types of support amongst people with different backgrounds and characteristics, we will explore motivations for engagement, and perceived benefits and limitations of online support. We know from the wider cyberpsychological literature (- and from our own prior research into other health conditions ) that online support has attributes that can be particularly beneficial for certain minoritized groups. For example, it can be more acceptable/accessible for those who are affected by various forms of stigmatisation and for whom stigma forms a barrier to face-to-face help seeking, along with those who face practical obstacles to face-to-face support, such as physical disabilities; financial hardship making travel costs prohibitive; or caring responsibilities.