Efficacy of different treatment modalities in men convicted of inti-mate partner violence

Abstract

The results obtained in a psychological intervention program for men convicted of intimate partner violence are presented in this study. The sample consists of 62 men distributed into three treatment modalities: unstructured group therapy (N = 15); structured group therapy (N = 16); individual therapy (N = 16), and control group (N = 15). A quasi-experimental design with pre and post intervention assessment is used to measure the effect of the treatment modality. Although the results obtained are not conclusive in the variables analysed, some differences between treatment options are observed. Pre and post differences are observed between individual and group therapy regarding participants’ goal achievements. When comparing the two group formats, the structured therapy group shows more significant values of change in the administered questionnaires.  In the individual therapy format, post treatment measures show higher values in the following scores of the SCL-90-R (Interpersonal Sensitivity, Depression, Hostility, GSI, PSDI and PST). We discuss the relevance of using self-report questionnaires in evaluating such programs