Events for December 10 - November 10, 2023

In video games, a loot box is a consumable virtual item which can be redeemed. Studies have shown a link between loot box engagement and gambling problems. However, the causal connections are unknown. Dr. Clark will report on his longitudinal research that traced the migration from video games to gambling.

Early detection and intervention could make a big difference in helping people with gambling disorder, which often goes undiagnosed and untreated. However, there is low awareness about how or why to expand screening for Gambling Disorder. One U.S. national study from Harvard Medical School reported that although none of those who were identified as meeting lifetime diagnostic criteria for Gambling Disorder reported seeking treatment for those problems, about half were involved in behavioral treatment for other psychiatric problems. This tells us that expanding screening for Gambling Disorder could improve identification of gambling problems and increase the rate of treatment-seeking among people with this disorder.

Dr. Whelshula has worked extensively with Native American communities nationwide on local and national policy development, education and behavioral health. Her most recent work is the development of an integrative cultural healing model to address trauma, mental health, and substance use disorders for tribes. She is a citizen of the Arrow Lakes Nation of the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington state.

Identifying mechanisms of change in psychotherapeutic treatment models has significant implications for addictive disorders. Dr. Lee will discuss her research showing that Congruence Couple Therapy can have better outcomes than individual-based therapies for clients with gambling problems.