Problem and Pathological Gambling

Over the past 30 years there has been a dramatic increase in the availability of convenient and legal gambling opportunities. Accompanying this proliferation of gambling is a growing understanding that between 5% and 9% of adults experience significant to severe problems due to their gambling activities. These problems have become a real health concern, with substantial costs to individuals, families, and communities.

The objective of this book is to provide the clinician – or graduate student – with essential information about problem and pathological gambling. After placing this behavioral addiction and its co-occurring difficulties in perspective, by describing its proliferation, the associated costs, and diagnostic criteria and definitions, the authors present detailed information on a strategy to assess and treat gambling problems in an outpatient setting.

The Authors

James P. Whelan, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Clinical Training at the University of Memphis, as well as codirector of the Institute for Gambling Education and Research and the Gambling Clinic. He has also served as Director of Clinical Training and has won awards for his engaged scholarship. Dr. Whelan’s research spans several areas, including efficacy for psychological treatments, problem gambling, and sport and exercise psychology.

Timothy A. Steenbergh, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of the Lilly Student Research Initiative at Indiana Wesleyan University. Dr. Steenbergh’s research on addictive behaviors has focused primarily on problem gambling. In addition to his research, Dr. Steenbergh also enjoys teaching and providing psychotherapy at a small clinical practice in Marion, IN.

Andrew W. Meyers, PhD, is Professor in the Department of Psychology and Vice Provost for Research at the University of Memphis, as well as codirector of the Institute for Gambling Education and Research. Dr. Meyers has served on the editorial boards of the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Behavior Therapy, Health Psychology, and Cognitive Therapy and Research, and for the past 25 years has maintained a private practice focused on addictions and health behavior.