NCJ Number
206334
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2004 Pages: 81-93
Date Published
April 2004
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This study sought to empirically validate the applicability of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change to men in treatment for intimate partner assault.
Abstract
Domestic batterer treatment programs that strive to stop or decrease male-to-female domestic violence have grown in number over the past two decades but recent research has raised doubts about the effectiveness of these programs. To improve the treatment outcomes of male batterers, researchers recently suggested that some of the concepts and techniques from the addictions literature may be helpful; particular attention has been paid to the use of TTM to understand how individuals change problematic behaviors. The current study sought to replicate the findings of previous research demonstrating the use of TTM with batterers in treatment. Participants were 250 men who were attending 2 batterer intervention programs in Texas. They completed the 20-item University of Rhode Island Change Assessment-Domestic Violence (URICA-DV) questionnaire to assess current stages of change, as well as the Processes of Change Scale (POC) developed for this study to assess usage of experimental and behavior processes by the participants during the last 2 weeks of treatment. Results of cross-validated cluster analyses revealed a three-cluster grouping based on URICA-DV scores: Immotive, Unprepared Action, and Preparticipation. Individuals in advanced stages of change reported greater use of behavior change processes, although this finding was not impacted by time spent in treatment. Findings have implications in terms of improving domestic violence treatment outcomes by matching men to different levels of treatment based on their readiness for change. Findings also indicate the reliability and validity of the POC. The two most serious limitations of the study include the lack of collateral report for abuse variables and the cross-sectional design. Figure, tables, references