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Assessment of the Effectiveness of Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Reducing Pathological Gambling

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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.

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Acknowledgements

The researchers’ inestimable gratitude goes to Dr. J. U. Eze, Dr. J. I. Anyanwu, and Prof. I.C.S Ifelunni for their wonderful roles in the course of the study. We also appreciate our research assistants and participants for their commitments during the research.

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We declare that no institution or organization funded this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Educational Foundations, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

    Moses Onyemaechi Ede, Joachim C. Omeje, Damian Chijioke Ncheke, Ngozi H. Chinweuba & Chijioke Virgilus Amoke

  2. Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

    John J. Agah

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  1. Moses Onyemaechi Ede
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  2. Joachim C. Omeje
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  5. Ngozi H. Chinweuba
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Correspondence to Moses Onyemaechi Ede or Damian Chijioke Ncheke.

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Ede, M.O., Omeje, J.C., Ncheke, D.C. et al. Assessment of the Effectiveness of Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in Reducing Pathological Gambling. J Gambl Stud 36, 1325–1339 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-020-09981-y

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