NCJ Number
160329
Date Published
1995
Length
178 pages
Annotation
Written primarily as a guide for therapists working with abusive men, this book presents a unique model for exploring and changing attitudes that influence abusiveness; the model is designed to encourage men to challenge and alter their entrenched beliefs about the roles of men and women in male-female relationships.
Abstract
Theoretical perspectives are integrated in the book, including those pertaining to belief systems, interactional group therapy, male violence, male socialization, and the gendered nature of relationships. Belief systems theory, previously applied only to individual change, is extended to encompass group therapy with abusive men. In addition, theory related to male socialization and male abusiveness is incorporated in the process of defining the problem of abusiveness. Theory pertaining to the gendered nature of relationships is employed to establish treatment goals. Based on confronting abusive beliefs, the model evolved as repeated clinical applications, monitoring through standardized measures, and followup of group completers and their partners provided feedback on the effectiveness of program elements. The authors examine shifting paradigms in the treatment of abusive men, the group as a change medium, group formation and structure, group session protocols, and program outcomes that involve the development of respectful beliefs and behaviors. Handouts for use in group therapy sessions are appended. Tables and figures