An examination of cognitive behavioural group therapy for problem gamblers who gamble over the internet: a controlled study

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was twofold: first, to examine the efficacy of group CBT for self-identified problem Internet gamblers and second, to qualitatively examine participants’ perspectives on their treatment experiences, especially in relation to decreasing Internet problem gambling. Thirty-two self-identified problem Internet gamblers were randomly assigned to either the treatment group (n = 16) or wait-list control group (n = 16). Results indicated that the treatment was efficacious in improving three of the four dependent variables from pre- to posttest/ treatment: number of DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling endorsed, perception of control over gambling, and number of sessions gambled. No significant pre- to posttest/ treatment difference was found between groups on desire to gamble. Groups were combined to examine treatment outcome over time, with results showing significant pre- to post-treatment and pre- to three-month post-treatment improvement in all four dependent variables. For the qualitative component of this study, thematic analysis was used to identify themes in the data. Five themes related to participants’ treatment experiences, experiences in trying to decrease their problem gambling behaviours over the Internet, and how Internet gambling may influence the treatment of problem gambling behaviours were identified. Limitations of the study, along with implications for future research are discussed.