Date of Award

12-2011

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. R. Wayne Fuqua

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Campus Only

Abstract

Given the high rates of gambling in the United States and the growing population of problem and pathological (disordered) gamblers, there is a need for effective interventions that will eliminate or reduce disordered gambling or, at minimum, reduce harm resulting from disordered gambling. High-risk populations for development of problem and pathological gambling include college students and online poker players. This study sought to develop and test a brief educational and behavioral intervention for decreasing impulsive betting, monetary loss, and time spent gambling and for college-aged self-identified problem gamblers who play online internet poker. This study included four participants in a multiple baseline across participants. Compared to baseline levels of money lost and time spent playing, all participants saw some effect. Post-intervention, all particiants gambled fewer days overall, three of four participants lost less money overall. The fourth participant was never at a net monetary loss. Future research and implications are discussed.

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