Session Title

Session 2-1-A: Recovery from Problem Gambling

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Location

Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV

Start Date

24-5-2023 9:00 AM

End Date

24-5-2023 10:30 AM

Disciplines

Clinical Psychology | Social Psychology

Abstract

Abstract: Behavior change is hard, and the recovery process is equally as challenging. Yet a paucity of research has been conducted on factors that motivated and undermine sustained behavior change. In this talk, we will discuss a growing body of work that suggests nostalgic reverie (i.e., sentimental longing) is a critical factor in both the behavior change and recovery process among people living with a gambling disorder. First, we will report the results of research (Study 1) that demonstrates nostalgic reverie for life before one’s problematic gambling behaviour facilitates behaviour change. We will then report the results of new research (three studies) that demonstrates the potential dark side of nostalgia among people in recovery from a gambling disorder (as well as those living with an eating disorder). Specifically, we show that among people in recovery from an eating disorder (Study 2) and disordered gambling (Study 3) who are nostalgic for the perceived benefits of their disorder (e.g., the excitement of winning) felt they were less (subjective) advanced in their recovery process. Among those living with a gambling disorder, we also showed that optimism about their recovery process interacted with nostalgia to create ambivalence about their recovery.

Implications: This program of research suggests there are both basic and applied implications of nostalgic reverie (and its content) that both researchers and treatment providers need to take into consideration when trying to understand and facilitate sustained behavior change.

Keywords

Behaviour change, relapse, recovery, nostalgia, past

Author Bios

Dr. Michael J. A. Wohl is a Professor and Graduate Chair in Psychology at Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada). Work in his Carleton University Gambling Laboratory focuses on, among other things, factors that predict disordered gambling, facilitate responsible gambling, and promote sustained behavior change. He has published over 180 peer-reviewed papers and is the receipt of, among other recognitions, the International Center for Responsible Gambling’s Research Achievement Award and Carleton University’s Graduate Mentorship Award.

Mackenzie Dowson is a Masters student under the supervision of Dr. Michael Wohl at Carleton University in Ottawa. Her research examines the role of nostalgia for an addictive behavior on ambivalence and relapse among individuals in recovery from gambling and alcohol use disorders.

Isabella Bossom is the Lab Manager for Dr. Michael Wohl and Dr. Nassim Tabri at Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada). Isabella has an MA in Experimental Psychology. She completed her thesis on the role of nostalgia for the perceived benefits of an eating disorder among people in recovery. Isabella has been awarded Canada Graduate Scholarships and Ontario Graduate Scholarships for her academic and research excellence.

Dr. Melissa Salmon is a Senior Researcher with the Centre for the Advancement of Best Practices at the Responsible Gambling Council. Melissa has specialized in the field of gambling studies for nine years, with a background in psychological research and knowledge mobilization to guide her work. Her research broadly focuses on novel means to advance safer gambling practices, reduce gambling-related harm, and promote positive behavior change among people experiencing harm.

Dr. Nassim Tabri is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Carleton University (Ottawa, Canada). A key research focus of his Mental Health and Addictions laboratory at Carleton University is on identifying transdiagnostic factors in the etiology and maintenance of various health-compromising behaviors, including disordered gambling and eating. He has published close to 50 peer-reviewed papers and received the 2021 Research of the Year Award from the International Center for Responsible Gambling.

Funding Sources

This research was self-funded

Competing Interests

The authors have no competing interests

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May 24th, 9:00 AM May 24th, 10:30 AM

The Push and Pull of Nostalgia: Sentimental Longing in a Fundamental Component of the Behavior Change Process

Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV

Abstract: Behavior change is hard, and the recovery process is equally as challenging. Yet a paucity of research has been conducted on factors that motivated and undermine sustained behavior change. In this talk, we will discuss a growing body of work that suggests nostalgic reverie (i.e., sentimental longing) is a critical factor in both the behavior change and recovery process among people living with a gambling disorder. First, we will report the results of research (Study 1) that demonstrates nostalgic reverie for life before one’s problematic gambling behaviour facilitates behaviour change. We will then report the results of new research (three studies) that demonstrates the potential dark side of nostalgia among people in recovery from a gambling disorder (as well as those living with an eating disorder). Specifically, we show that among people in recovery from an eating disorder (Study 2) and disordered gambling (Study 3) who are nostalgic for the perceived benefits of their disorder (e.g., the excitement of winning) felt they were less (subjective) advanced in their recovery process. Among those living with a gambling disorder, we also showed that optimism about their recovery process interacted with nostalgia to create ambivalence about their recovery.

Implications: This program of research suggests there are both basic and applied implications of nostalgic reverie (and its content) that both researchers and treatment providers need to take into consideration when trying to understand and facilitate sustained behavior change.