Cognitive and behavioral treatment of pathological gambling: a controlled study

J Consult Clin Psychol. 1997 Oct;65(5):727-32. doi: 10.1037//0022-006x.65.5.727.

Abstract

This study evaluated the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral treatment package for pathological gambling. Twenty-nine men who met criteria for pathological gambling in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (3rd ed., revised; DSM-III-R; American Psychiatric Association, 1987) were randomly assigned to treatment or wait-list control. The treatment included 4 components: (a) cognitive correction of erroneous perceptions about gambling, (b) problem-solving training, (c) social skills training, and (d) relapse prevention. The dependent variables were the South Oaks Gambling Screen, perception of control, frequency of gambling, perceived self-efficacy, desire to gamble, and number of DSM-III-R criteria met by participants. Posttest results indicated highly significant changes in the treatment group on all outcome measures, and analysis of data from 6- and 12-month follow-ups revealed maintenance of therapeutic gains. Recommendations for clinical interventions are discussed and focus on the cognitive correction of erroneous perceptions of gambling.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gambling / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Perceptual Distortion
  • Treatment Outcome