Throughout my academic career, I have always believed that research should do more than advance knowledge - it should improve people's lives. Some of the most rewarding moments as an academic are seeing doctoral students develop research that has the potential to make a real difference to individuals, families and society. One such project is currently being undertaken by my doctoral student, Matthew Vassallo, within the Department of Psychology at the University of Malta's Faculty for Social Wellbeing. Co-supervised by Professor Paul Montgomery, Matthew's research focuses on developing and evaluating a support programme for people affected by a loved one's problem gambling.
Problem gambling is often viewed as an individual problem. However, the reality is that its consequences extend far beyond the person who gambles. Behind every individual struggling with gambling addiction there are often partners, parents, children, siblings and close friends whose lives are profoundly affected. Families frequently experience financial hardship, emotional distress, relationship conflict and uncertainty, yet their own needs often remain hidden and overlooked.
As an organisational psychologist and researcher, I have always been interested in understanding how individuals cope with adversity and how evidence-based interventions can strengthen resilience. Matthew's research aligns closely with this philosophy by focusing on those who are commonly referred to as "affected others" - the family members and significant people whose wellbeing is often compromised by another person's gambling behaviour.
International research consistently demonstrates that affected others experience elevated levels of stress, anxiety, depression and social isolation. Many find themselves living with constant uncertainty, attempting to manage financial pressures while trying to support someone who may not yet recognise that they have a gambling problem. Unfortunately, support services have traditionally centred almost exclusively on the individual who gambles, leaving family members with limited opportunities to receive help in their own right.
This doctoral research seeks to address that important gap within the Maltese context.
The project forms part of a wider programme of research investigating how best to support families affected by problem gambling. Earlier phases included a comprehensive review of international literature together with consultation involving local and international experts working within psychology, addiction services and social care. The objective was to identify interventions that have demonstrated effectiveness while considering how these could be adapted to Malta's cultural and healthcare context.
The findings were encouraging. Evidence suggests that interventions aimed directly at affected others can significantly improve their wellbeing, coping strategies and resilience, even when the person experiencing gambling problems is unwilling to seek treatment themselves. This represents an important shift in thinking by recognising that family members deserve support regardless of whether their loved one chooses to engage in therapy.
Building upon these findings, Matthew has co-developed a psychosocial intervention specifically tailored for Malta. The programme draws upon the internationally recognised Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) approach, an evidence-informed model that equips family members with practical communication skills, healthier coping mechanisms and strategies to reduce the emotional burden associated with living alongside problem gambling.
Rather than adopting a rigid approach, the intervention has been designed to remain flexible and person-centred. Every family's experience is unique, and therefore support must reflect individual circumstances. Participants will attend face-to-face sessions over approximately six to eight weeks, with each session lasting around one hour. Alongside core modules completed by everyone, optional topics allow participants to focus on issues that are particularly relevant to their own situation, including managing stress, improving communication, setting healthy boundaries, understanding gambling behaviour and strengthening personal resilience.
To evaluate the effectiveness of the programme, participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups. One group will begin the intervention immediately, while the second group will initially remain on a waitlist before receiving the same programme after completion of the study. Researchers will compare participants' wellbeing before and after the intervention using validated measures, while also collecting valuable feedback that will help refine the programme for future implementation.
The significance of this research extends well beyond the participants who will take part. Problem gambling continues to present significant social, psychological and economic challenges in Malta, yet relatively little attention has been devoted to developing structured support specifically for family members. By generating robust local evidence, this research has the potential to inform future policy, strengthen existing services and encourage greater investment in family-centred interventions. If proven effective, the programme could be adopted by healthcare providers, counselling services and voluntary organisations, ultimately improving the quality of life of many Maltese families living with gambling-related harm.
Research has its greatest value when it translates into meaningful change. As supervisors, one of our greatest hopes is to see our students undertake work that contributes not only to academic knowledge but also to the wellbeing of society. I believe this doctoral project represents precisely that type of research - rigorous, relevant and capable of making a tangible difference.
The study is currently recruiting adults living in Malta who feel affected by someone else's problem gambling and who would like to receive support. Participation is entirely voluntary, and all interested individuals will receive further information before deciding whether to participate. A brief screening process will determine eligibility.
Anyone wishing to learn more about the study or express an interest in participating is invited to contact Matthew Vassallo directly via email at [email protected].
By taking part, participants will not only benefit from access to a structured support programme but will also contribute to research that has the potential to improve support services for countless other families across Malta. Sometimes, the most meaningful contribution we can make is helping ensure that others do not have to face life's challenges alone.
Dr Katya De Giovanni is a warranted Organisational Psychologist