Client Retention in Community Treatment: Completer and Noncompleter Experiences of an Individualized, Needs-Based...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Work
• Criminology

Background:

• High attrition rates in community partner abuse intervention programs (PAIPs) necessitate qualitative research.
• Understanding participant experiences is key to improving program engagement and reducing dropout.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the subjective experiences of both completers and noncompleters of a nonmandated PAIP.
• To identify factors associated with sustained engagement and program dropout.
• To compare perceptions of the treatment process and outcomes between completers and noncompleters.

Main Methods:

• Conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 participants (9 completers, 5 noncompleters) of a community-based PAIP.
• Interviewees were primarily referred by children's social care and were unemployed.
• Interviews were conducted by independent research staff to ensure objectivity.

Main Results:

• Three emergent themes: 'Treatment as Challenging Yet Enlightening,' 'The Importance of a Well-timed and Safe Therapeutic Environment,' and 'Improved Emotional Self-Management Due to Treatment.'
• Structured, individualized sessions and a strong therapeutic alliance improved participants' interpersonal skills.
• Noncompletion was linked to risk factors and readiness for treatment.

Conclusions:

• Developing a therapeutic alliance and offering flexible, accessible, structured, individualized treatment are vital for program success.
• Screening for risk factors and treatment readiness may help mitigate noncompletion.
• Further research with diverse samples is needed, especially focusing on noncompleters' experiences.