Engaging Men and Boys in Preventing Violence Against Women: Applying a Cognitive-Behavioral Model

• NCJ Number: 217468
• Journal: Violence Against Women: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal Volume: 13 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2007 Pages: 217-239
• Author(s): Claire V. Crooks; George R. Goodall; Ray Hughes; Peter G. Jaffe; Linda L. Baker
• Date Published: March 2007
• Length: 23 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article considers the application of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to engaging men and boys in the prevention of violence against women.

Abstract

Applying the CBT theoretical framework to the engagement of men and boys in the prevention of violence against women offers an opportunity to overcome some of the challenges and resistance that have been evident in attempts to engage males in profeminist activities. In their examination of how a CBT approach can be used to engage boys and men in violence prevention activities, the authors focus on three fundamental components of the CBT approach: goal setting, core beliefs, and strategies for change. Difficulties in applying a CBT approach to goal setting are identified--a lack of an identifiable end state for the intervention and a lack of small steps for making change--and strategies for overcoming these difficulties are presented. Strategies include the development of new notions of masculinity and the acknowledgment of “well-meaning” as a starting point. Another fundamental goal of CBT is to transform maladaptive core beliefs, such as the beliefs that violence against women is purely a feminist issue and that the problem is exaggerated. Educational campaigns and mentoring programs are identified as key strategies for altering the maladaptive beliefs of men and boys that may be keeping them from becoming engaged in the prevention of violence against women. Finally, in order to sustain belief changes and encourage behavioral changes consistent with new beliefs, the CBT approach underscores the importance of reinforcement, behavioral skills, and self-efficacy. The engagement of men and boys in violence prevention must be constructed as a positive experience that leads to a desired outcome. In order to illustrate the application of the CBT approach, the authors describe an action-oriented violence prevention initiative implemented in the Thames Valley District School System in Canada. References