Processes of changing gambling behavior

Recovered problem gamblers (N = 37) described the processes used in overcom ing their gambling problem using a modified version of the Processes of Cha nge Questionnaire (J. O. Prochaska, W. F. Velicer, C. C. DiClemente, & J. S . Fava, 1988). The most frequently used processes were cognitive experienti al in nature and included self-reevaluation. environmental reevaluation, dr amatic relief, and self-liberation. The least-used processes were reinforce ment management and social liberation. Individuals who had sought gambling treatment reported greater use of most processes, in particular cognitive-e xperiential ones, compared with self-changers. The processes reported by pa rticipants were similar to those elicited through open-ended questions. but the results for problem gamblers differ from results of studies of Other t ypes of behavior change. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved .