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Cognitive changes in pathological gamblers following a 28-day inpatient program.
R B Breen1, N G Kruedelbach, H I Walker
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, Rhode Island, USA. werdann@email.msn.com
Summary
This study suggests that inpatient treatment can positively alter pathological gamblers' (PGs) irrational beliefs and attitudes about gambling. Findings indicate a significant change in these cognitive factors after a 28-day program.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Cognitive models explain pathological gambling (PG) through maintained irrational beliefs and attitudes.
- Previous research has not demonstrated treatment's effect on these gambling-specific beliefs and attitudes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the impact of a 28-day inpatient treatment program on the beliefs and attitudes of pathological gamblers (PGs).
Main Methods:
- An exploratory study involving 66 consecutive admissions to a Veterans Affairs inpatient program for PG.
- Participants completed self-report measures of gambling-specific attitudes and beliefs at admission and before discharge.
Main Results:
- Significant changes in attitudes and beliefs were observed from admission to discharge (p < .001).
- Preliminary results suggest treatment may influence cognitive factors in pathological gambling.
Conclusions:
- Treatment programs may be effective in modifying gambling-related cognitions.
- Future controlled studies should incorporate measures of gambling attitudes and beliefs to assess treatment efficacy.