title: Processes of changing gambling behavior.
abstract: Recovered problem gamblers (N = 37) described the processes used in overcoming their gambling problem using a modified version of the Processes of Change Questionnaire (J. O. Prochaska, W. F. Velicer, C. C. DiClemente, & J. S. Fava, 1988). The most frequently used processes were cognitive-experiential in nature and included self-reevaluation, environmental reevaluation, dramatic relief, and self-liberation. The least-used processes were reinforcement management and social liberation. Individuals who had sought gambling treatment reported greater use of most processes, in particular cognitive-experiential ones, compared with self-changers. The processes reported by participants were similar to those elicited through open-ended questions, but the results for problem gamblers differ from results of studies of other types of behavior change.
authors.affiliation: Addiction Centre, Foothills Medical Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. dhodgins@ucalgary.ca
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Hodgins
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003071:Cognition; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D011594:Psychometrics; D012649:Self Concept; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires