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Bonnie Lee, University of Lethbridge
Jason Solowoniuk, University of Lethbridge
Categories: · Treatment ·
| Type of Award | Amount Approved | Project Status |
|---|---|---|
| Level II | $41,907.12 | Completed |
ABSTRACT
For several years our research team has focused on the clinical development of a new integrative, humanistic couple therapy model (Congruence Couple Therapy) for pathological gambling. Preliminary single group studies have indicated positive outcomes. We now seek to explore experimentally the objective impact, both in terms of process and outcome, of this structured, manualized couples treatment program. Given the complexity of mounting a full randomized clinical trial combined with the procedural pitfalls that can be encountered, the proposed pilot study mimics the methodological features of a full scale trial so that familiarity with study requirements can be acquired. Clients are drawn from four sites in Ontario and one site in Alberta. Twenty-four couples, one member of which meets DSM-IV criteria for problem gambling and satisfying certain inclusion criteria are assigned at random to either a 12-week structured CCT program or to a 12-week periodic contact control condition. CCT therapy is delivered by trained counsellors to the couple units. All couples are administered a battery of tests at three points in time: pre-treatment, 12- week post-treatment and at 8-week post-treatment follow up. A 2x3 repeated measures ANOVA followed by post-hoc tests are employed to explore whether a significant interaction emerges over time, namely, the two groups should initially have similar scores on problem gambling severity but diverge over time as a function of the therapy’s effectiveness. Relationship of process changes for couples undergoing CCT with improved outcomes will also be explored. Given the exploratory nature of the study, qualitative feedback from clients, counsellors, and administrators will be sought. The findings should help to identify methodological refinements that could render more feasible the conduct of an adequately powered RCT of Congruence Couple Therapy.