Abstract
Careful attention to motivation for change may enhance the effects of interventions for partner-violent men. The present study
tested predictions about differential response to a two-session motivational intake (MI) for partner-violent men, which was
compared to a structured intake (SI) control. For those who were initially reluctant to change, MI produced greater forward
movement in stage of change. For those who claimed to have already solved their problems with partner abuse, MI produced greater
backward movement in stage of change and greater homework compliance in subsequent group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
MI led to a stronger collaborative working alliance for those high in contemplation of change, and greater group session attendance
for those with high trait anger. Contrary to hypotheses, analyses of post-CBT partner assault revealed a differentially greater
benefit of MI for participants with lower levels of pretreatment contemplation and trait anger. The findings provide qualified
support for the expectation that MI has the greatest beneficial effects on those who appear initially reluctant to change.
tested predictions about differential response to a two-session motivational intake (MI) for partner-violent men, which was
compared to a structured intake (SI) control. For those who were initially reluctant to change, MI produced greater forward
movement in stage of change. For those who claimed to have already solved their problems with partner abuse, MI produced greater
backward movement in stage of change and greater homework compliance in subsequent group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
MI led to a stronger collaborative working alliance for those high in contemplation of change, and greater group session attendance
for those with high trait anger. Contrary to hypotheses, analyses of post-CBT partner assault revealed a differentially greater
benefit of MI for participants with lower levels of pretreatment contemplation and trait anger. The findings provide qualified
support for the expectation that MI has the greatest beneficial effects on those who appear initially reluctant to change.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10896-012-9460-2
- Authors
- Christopher M. Murphy, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
- Erin L. Linehan, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
- Jacqueline C. Reyner, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
- Peter H. Musser, Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA
- Casey T. Taft, VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
- Journal Journal of Family Violence
- Online ISSN 1573-2851
- Print ISSN 0885-7482