Question

What is the article A pathways model of problem and pathological gambling about by Alex blaszczynski and lia nower?

Answer 1

The given paper attempts to explain the commonality in biological, personality, developmental, cognitive, learning theory and ecological factors that determine the pathology of gambling. It was suggested by the paper that different subgroups of gamblers are more prone to development of this habit which include:  behaviourally conditioned problem gamblers, emotionally vulnerable problem gamblers and antisocial, impulsivist problem gamblers. The idea behind the article is that a simple consideration of gambling as an addiction or as a compulsive or impulse control disorder is too limiting in scope. The current article highlights the pathways model as a preliminary, empirically testable schema that hypothesizes the existence of three subgroups of pathological gamblers. All three are subject to ecological variables, operant and classical conditioning, and cognitive processes. The different subgroups that require differentiated treatment plans are therefore suggested by the pathway model and supports its findings with scientific evidence & intensive research. The model thus provides a clinical guide & framework that suggests how mre effective intervention & treatment planning can be undertaken for the various categories of gamblers suggested by it.