Prognostic Indicator Scale for the Treatment of Partner Abuse Perpetrators

• NCJ Number: 221826
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 18 Issue: 9 Dated: September 2003 Pages: 1087-1105
• Author(s): Christopher M. Murphy; Tanya M. Morrel; Jeffrey D. Elliott; Tara M. Neavins
• Date Published: September 2003
• Length: 19 pages
• Grant Number(s): R03-MH56373
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health; University of Maryland, Baltimore County
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined prognostic indicators in group treatment for violence recidivism among male domestic abuse perpetrators.

Abstract

The Partner Abuse Prognostic Scale (PAPS) provided consistent prediction of partner violence recidivism. It predicted outcome uniquely relative to a continuous measure of relationship aggression and produced no evidence of differential prediction across two distinct forms of treatment. Psychological aggression was the only pretreatment variable that consistently added significant prediction of recidivism beyond the PAPS. The findings provide initial support for the use of the PAPS in research contexts. Further research will be needed to establish cutoffs for clinical case management and treatment planning. This study examined 17 prognostic indicators in group treatment for 95 partner violent men to assess aggression history, psychoactive substance use, severity of relationship abuse problems, and current demographic factors. A total prognostic index, labeled PAPS, predicted outcome variables derived from both victim report and criminal justice data. Tables, notes, references