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Compliance and Learning in an Intervention Program for Partner-Violent Men

Buffalo State College

Kurt H. Dermen

University at Buffalo, The State University of New York

Thomas H. Nochajski

University at Buffalo, The State University of New York

William F. Wieczorek

Center for Health and Social Research, Buffalo State College

Peter K. Navratil

Delphi Drug and Alcohol Council

Although research has yielded mixed findings regarding the effectiveness of intervention programs for partner-violent men, it appears that greater participant compliance with such programs is associated with better outcomes. However, no research to date has jointly examined compliance with intervention programs and the extent to which partner-violent men learn specific information presented during the programs. The current study makes use of existing data to evaluate general and specific elements of partner-violent men's compliance with (i.e., active, appropriate participation in) an intervention program and recall of key points from the program. Results from a subsample of 22 men indicate that at program termination, those rated as having been "process conscious" during intervention group sessions, having self-disclosed during sessions, having evidenced awareness and use of techniques to avoid violence, and having used respectful language show greater recall of material taught in the program. This finding points to the potential benefit of taking steps to increase men's active participation in programs and of studying active engagement as a mediator of program effects on men's violence toward partners.

Key Words: partner-violent men • batterer intervention programs • compliance • learning

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Journal of Interpersonal Violence, Vol. 22, No. 12, 1555-1566 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0886260507306485


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