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Group treatment program for abusive husbands: long-term evaluation
S E Palmer1, R A Brown, M E Barrera
1School of Social Work, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont.
The American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
|April 1, 1992
Summary
A short-term group treatment for abusive husbands showed lower recidivism rates compared to untreated men. Greater initial depression in participants correlated with even lower long-term recidivism rates.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Criminology
- Social Work
Background:
- Domestic violence is a significant societal issue requiring effective intervention strategies.
- Understanding long-term outcomes of treatment programs is crucial for evidence-based practice.
- Abusive behavior in husbands necessitates targeted therapeutic approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of a short-term group treatment program for abusive husbands.
- To assess recidivism rates in treated versus untreated abusive men.
- To explore the relationship between initial depression levels and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A controlled study design was employed to compare outcomes.
- Recidivism was measured using official police reports.
- Participants included abusive husbands undergoing a short-term group treatment program and a control group.
Main Results:
- The group treatment program resulted in significantly lower recidivism rates compared to the control group.
- Men who exhibited higher levels of depression at the start of the program showed even lower recidivism rates.
- The findings suggest a positive long-term impact of the intervention.
Conclusions:
- Short-term group treatment for abusive husbands can be effective in reducing long-term recidivism.
- Initial depression may be a predictive factor for treatment success in this population.
- Further research should explore mechanisms of change and optimize interventions for abusive behavior.