Predictors of Attrition in a Treatment Program for Battering Men

• NCJ Number: 177795
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: March 1999 Pages: 19-34
• Author(s): Dana D. DeHart; Robert J. Kennerly; Leslie K. Burke; Diane R. Follingstad
• Date Published: March 1999
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Data from 61 men enrolled in a batterer treatment program in a midsized city were used to examine factors associated with the high attrition rate in treatment programs for men who batter.

Abstract

The researchers expected that demographic variables of age, race, employment status, relationship status, and socioeconomic status would predict attrition, due to findings of previous research. The research also hypothesized that attitudinal and personality variables, as well as contextual/program variables, might account for attrition more parsimoniously. The research specifically hypothesized that attrition would be predicted by the frequency and severity of the violence and by the perpetrator's denial of a problem with violence, rigidity of thinking, low levels of self-disclosure, and higher anxiety and constriction in social situations. The research also predicted that attrition would relate to dependency, maladaptive personality styles, and expectations regarding group counseling. The researchers also expected that attrition would relate to whether batterer participation in treatment was self-motivated or was the result of external pressures. Results of analyses of variance and discriminant analyses indicated that program attrition was unrelated to demographic, attitudinal, or personality variables. The only variables that significantly differentiated treatment rejectors, dropouts, and continuers were the contextual/program variables of mileage traveled to attend and external monitoring of attendance. The men who had to travel greater distances to sessions were more likely to attend and remain in the program, probably due to greater commitment at the onset of the program. The men who attended at least some sessions and whose attendance was in some way monitored were most likely to continue in the program. Findings suggested that enhancing internal and external motivations to attend might be the most effective way to reduce attrition in batterer programs. Table and 39 references (Author abstract modified)