NCJ Number
111370
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 2 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1987) Pages: 193-213
Date Published
1987
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the history and current status of the treatment for abusive men, examines currently held assumptions about the most effective treatment, and elucidates the origins and rationale behind these assumptions.
Abstract
The review reveals that a host of biased and unverified assumptions have pushed the field toward its current predominant use of structured treatment methods that commonly employ 'cognitive restructuring' and 'anger logs' within the framework of a set sequence of training sessions. An alternative method of treatment for battering men, which uses an unstuctured, supervised, supportive, self-help group format, is presented. The author argues that all the topics, themes, and strategic skills commonly offered in structured educational programs will emerge as central topics of discussion during the natural course of events in the unstructured approach. The unstructured supervised self-help group format enables the therapist to spontaneously introduce various ideas and techniques at the most opportune moments in the group process, while avoiding the significant disadvantages of a structured treatment program. Motivation to change is described as one of the advantages of an unstructured approach to group therapy in the treatment of abusive men. Other advantages include developing problemsolving and interpersonal skills, learning tolerance and flexibility, providing mutual support and understanding, breaking isolation and uncommunicative habits, enhancing empathy, learning constructive confrontation, deepening emotional awareness, and reexamining sex role expectations. 36 references.