Edelgard Wulfert

Areas of Interest:

My research interests focus on deficits in self-regulation, particularly in the area of pathological gambling and alcohol abuse. I conduct basic and applied work. My basic research focuses on the elucidation of the role of physiological arousal, cue reactivity, stress, and cognitive distortions in addictive behaviors. My applied research consists of assessment and treatment studies. At present, I am focusing almost exclusively on pathological gambling, because this disorder allows us to study addictive behavior in its "purest" form, i.e., without the confounding effects of substances. We have developed and are currently testing the efficacy of an innovative Cognitive-Motivational Behavior Therapy for pathological gamblers. Our goal is to improve our conceptual understanding of addiction, including its treatment, the maintenance of treatment gains, and the relapse process. Specific areas of interest follow.

• Deficits in Self-Regulation 
  Addictive Behaviors
  Pathological Gambling
  Alcohol Abuse

• Assessment and Treatment Research 
  Physiological Arousal and Cue Reactivity 
  Motivational Interviewing Interventions 
  Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies