Abstract

Background. This study was designed to address a possible interaction of distorted cognitive processes associated with substance dependency and intimate partner violence (IPV), and the affects on subsequent behavior. Objectives. The primary focus was to investigate the relationship between offender perception (i.e., perception of family problems [FP] and perception of need for treatment for family problems [FPTx]) and treatment outcome (i.e., substance use and violence), among a unique sample of substance dependent male offenders of intimate partner violence. Additional investigations included: (1) the change in perception from baseline to the end of treatment, and (2) treatment modality in relation to treatment success. Methods. The data was drawn from a larger randomized treatment evaluation study (Easton, 2012). Sixty-three participants were randomly assigned to one of two manually-guided treatment conditions (Substance Abuse Domestic Violence Therapy or Independent Drug Counseling) and were assessed across 12 weeks of treatment. Results. There was no significant difference for participants in the FP+ condition (i.e., those who perceived family problems at baseline) versus participants in the FP- condition (i.e., those who did not perceive family problems at baseline) in number of days abstinent from any substance use, across 84 days in treatment (e.g., 90 days of abstinence across 12 week of treatment). Participants in the FPTx+ condition (i.e., those who perceived a need for treatment for family problems at baseline) did not significantly differ from participants in the FPTx- condition (i.e., participants who perceived no need for treatment at baseline) in number of days abstinent from substance use. However, participants in the FP+ and FPTx+ conditions reported a significantly greater change in the number of days of violence from baseline to the end of treatment, compared to participants in the FP- and FPTx- conditions. FP+ and FPTx+ participants had significant decreases in any violent behavior from pre to post treatment (e.g., measured by the change in the number of days of any violent behavior). Implications. The results of this study highlight the importance of techniques aimed at improving clients’ ability to recognize and admit to problem behaviors in an effort to increase their motivation for treatment, which will hopefully lead to greater treatment success.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Abusive men--Attitudes; Abusive men--Rehabilitation; Substance abuse--Patients--Attitudes; Substance abuse--Patients--Rehabilitation

Publication Date

5-21-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Experimental Psychology (MS)

Department, Program, or Center

Psychology (CLA)

Advisor

John Edlund

Advisor/Committee Member

Caroline Easton

Advisor/Committee Member

Lindsay Schenkel

Comments

Physical copy available from RIT's Wallace Library at RC569.5.F3 D47 2015

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

EXPSYC-MS

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