A Qualitative Study of Intimate Partner Violence From a Cognitive-Behavioral Perspective

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (23-24) ◽  
pp. 5198-5227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard D. Ager

There is growing interest in the application of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to intimate partner violence (IPV) as a companion or possibly preferred approach to the Duluth model. The literature includes descriptions of adaptions of cognitive-behavioral (CB) treatment to IPV and even some treatment outcome studies. Yet, these adaptions are not typically grounded in the empirical examination of IPV focusing on phenomena specifically relevant to CB theory. The aim of this qualitative inquiry was to examine IPV from a CB perspective to lay the foundation for related treatment and research. Twelve heterosexual victims residing in shelters completed structured audiotaped interviews focusing on CB phenomena, that is, the cognitions, behaviors, feelings, interactions, and conditions victims experienced before, during, and after an IPV incident. Transcripts were coded and analyzed to develop a comprehensive categorized list of discrete IPV phenomena over time. Among the findings relating to violent incidents was indication that despite the progression of abuse that compel couples uncontrollably toward a violent episode, partners often engage in numerous preventive actions that turn out to be ineffective. The findings are ultimately intended to lay the groundwork for an instrument that can more accurately and comprehensively measure IPV phenomena emphasizing CB core concepts. Such a tool could be of benefit to CB therapists and researchers seeking to understand, identify, and target IPV behaviors.

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Lourah M. Kelly ◽  
Cory A. Crane ◽  
Kristyn Zajac ◽  
Caroline J. Easton

Purpose Past studies demonstrated the efficacy of integrated cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for substance use disorder (SUD) and intimate partner violence (IPV) as well as high rates of depressive symptoms in this population. However, little is known about how depressive symptoms impact treatment outcomes. The authors hypothesized that integrated CBT, but not standard drug counseling (DC), would buffer the negative effects of depressive symptoms on treatment response. Design/methodology/approach A secondary analysis of a randomized trial compared men assigned to 12 weeks of integrated CBT for SUD and IPV (n = 29) to those in DC (n = 34). Findings Most (60%) of the sample reported any depressive symptoms. Controlling for baseline IPV, reporting any depressive symptoms was associated with more positive cocaine screens during treatment. Among men with depressive symptoms, integrated CBT but not DC was associated with fewer positive cocaine screens. Controlling for baseline alcohol variables, integrated CBT and depressive symptoms were each associated with less aggression outside of intimate relationships (family, strangers, etc.) during treatment. For men without depressive symptoms, integrated CBT was associated with less non-IPV aggression compared to DC. Effects were not significant for other substances, IPV, or at follow-up. Research limitations/implications This study found some evidence for differential response to CBT by depressive symptoms on cocaine and aggression at end of treatment, which did not persist three months later. Future studies should explore mechanisms of integrated CBT for SUD and IPV, including mood regulation, on depressive symptoms in real-world samples. Practical implications Integrated CBT buffered depressive symptoms’ impact on cocaine use, yet only improved non-IPV aggression in men without depressive symptoms. Originality/value Although integrated CBT’s efficacy for improving SUD and IPV has been established, moderators of treatment response have not been investigated.


2021 ◽  
pp. 009385482199602
Author(s):  
Jennifer S. Wong ◽  
Jessica Bouchard

Substantial literature has examined the effectiveness of intimate partner violence (IPV) interventions, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is noted as the second most common approach used in group interventions for partner violent men. However, as little research has examined how CBT principles are operationalized across program curricula, there is currently insufficient information from which to make recommendations for model CBT approaches in IPV interventions. In the current study, we review the literature to determine a set of core elements for comprehensive CBT interventions and use session-level curriculum data from 10 community-based programs to examine the presence of 14 components reflecting 4 CBT factors. Results suggest heterogeneity in the emphasis on CBT elements across programs, despite almost all managers listing CBT as a theoretical approach. Implications are discussed with a call for evaluators and meta-analysts to code for actual curriculum content as opposed to stated program labels.


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