Treating Problem Gambling Samples with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Interventions: A Clinical...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Problem gambling (PG) interventions have varied evidence.
• Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) show promise for treating disorders comorbid with PG.
• This study evaluates MBIs and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for PG.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the effectiveness of three interventions for problem gambling.
• To compare case formulation driven CBT, manualised CBT, and MBI.
• To assess intervention acceptability and long-term effects.

Main Methods:

• Three interventions were administered to problem gamblers.
• Effectiveness was measured by PG behavior changes.
• Assessments included post-treatment and 3- and 6-month follow-ups.

Main Results:

• All three interventions yielded large effect size improvements in PG behavior (Cohen's d: 1.46–2.01).
• Improvements were sustained at post-treatment and 3- and 6-month follow-ups.
• Mindfulness-based and TAU interventions showed broader improvements in quality of life and mindfulness facets compared to manualised CBT.

Conclusions:

• Mindfulness-based and TAU interventions are effective in reducing PG behavior and associated distress.
• Brief mindfulness interventions can supplement CBT by addressing transdiagnostic processes.
• CBT interventions remain effective for problem gambling, aligning with existing literature.