Erschienen in:
10.10.2020 | Original Paper
Assessment of the Effectiveness of Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Reducing Pathological Gambling
verfasst von:
Moses Onyemaechi Ede, Joachim C. Omeje, Damian Chijioke Ncheke, John J. Agah, Ngozi H. Chinweuba, Chijioke Virgilus Amoke
Erschienen in:
Journal of Gambling Studies
|
Ausgabe 4/2020
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Abstract
Pathological gambling is a developmental disorder usually associated with a continuous loss of control over gambling; it also involves a preoccupation with gambling and with obtaining money for the same purpose of gambling,
irrational thinking, and a continuation of the behaviour despite being aware of its adverse consequences. This study examined the effectiveness of group cognitive-behavioural therapy (GCBT) on pathological gambling among Nigerian students. The study used a group randomised controlled trial design to assign participants to intervention and control groups. A total of 40 undergraduate students, aged 18–30, were classified as pathological gamblers (participants) in this study. Participants completed self-report scales titled South oaks gambling screen and Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale at three-time points. The intervention lasted for 8 weeks. The data collected were statistically analysed using repeated-measures ANOVA. Results revealed that GCBT has a significant effect in decreasing the symptoms of pathological gambling among the participants in GCBT compared to those in the control group and that the improvements were maintained at follow-up. The study concluded that group cognitive-behavioural therapy is impactful therapy in reducing pathological gambling among students. It has also validated the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy in altering erroneous thoughts and replacing it with a better alternative realistic way of thinking.