4. Provision of education sessions on potentially harmful activities to significant others
Most participants believe that loved ones must be included in education and awareness around safer gambling/harm and have ‘an ongoing opportunity to have education and support’ (Participant 7). The main theme emerging refers to ‘real-life stories’ with respondents feeling like ‘real story telling is impactful’ (Participant 1) and inviting ‘speakers to tell their stories’ is beneficial (Participant 8). However, other suggestions on the best approach for education to significant others were made. Participant 6 suggested that this should be done in ‘a similar way to the general public, but with a slant on how to understand problem gambling in athletes’ while Participant 3 believes ‘experiential learning, cases with role playing’ would be the most beneficial approach for significant others.
Using a closed-ended question, respondents had to rank the significant others from the most significant to the least significant. Parents appeared to have been considered the most significant by the majority with Participant 8 stating that parents are the ones players respect the most and therefore are the main ones in need of education. Coaches were on the second place, and it is believed that ‘coaching and support staff most often come from sporting backgrounds and therefore have a similar mindset’ (Participant 6) and they need to receive education in a similar way to athletes. Friends and non-playing staff were ranked 3rd and 4th respectively and extended family, communities, schools and fans were ranked lower in terms of significance.
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