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Cognitive and behavior therapy in a case of compulsive gambling

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Abstract

The literature contains few reports of behavior therapy used to treat compulsive gamblers. Desensitization (Draft, 1970),electrical aversion (Goorney, 1968; Seager, 1969),and a multifaceted approach including faradic shock, covert sensitization, massed practice, and time-out (Cotler, 1971)have been reported with mixed results. The increasing interest of behavior therapists in cognitive-symbolic mediation is well documented (Bandura, 1969; Mahoney, 1974; Meichenbaum, 1976);however, there are no reports of behavior therapists using a cognitive learning approach with a covert conditioning therapy to treat compulsive gambling. Such an approach is described in the present case report.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Psychology Service, Veterans Administration Hospital, Tuskegee, Alabama, USA

    Glen Bannister Jr.

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  1. Glen Bannister Jr.
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The author's statements and conclusions are the results of his own studies and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or policy of the Veterans Administration.

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Bannister, G. Cognitive and behavior therapy in a case of compulsive gambling. Cogn Ther Res 1, 223–227 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01186795

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01186795

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