NCJ Number
230234
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 25 Issue: 4 Dated: May 2010 Pages: 431-438
Date Published
May 2010
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study examined male batterer's willingness to change their abusive behavior and whether this willingness could be predicted using reported levels of anger and aggression.
Abstract
The Transtheoretical Model of Change (TTM) predicts that matching interventions with a person's readiness to change should improve treatment outcomes. This cross-sectional correlational study examined characteristics that affected self-reported readiness to change abusive behavior among a sample of 109 men in a 52-week batterer treatment program. Participants completed measures of anger/hostility, readiness to change, manipulative parenting, and self-esteem. Results indicated that contemplation of the impact of abuse has the highest unique relationship with self-reported taking action to stop violence. Moreover, physical aggression and manipulative parenting account for significant variance in the scores associated with self-reported taking action to stop violence as well. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at moving clients into contemplation, and reducing physical aggression and manipulative parenting styles, may increase the likelihood that batterers will take action to stop violence. Tables and references (Published Abstract)