Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #111196

Deborah A. Levesque, PhD, Mary-Margaret Driskell, MPH, Patricia H. Castle, BA, R. Neil Greene, BA, James O. Prochaska, PhD, and Janice M. Prochaska, PhD. Pro-Change Behavior Systems, Inc., PO Box 755, West Kingston, RI 02892, 401-709-2333, mmdriskell@prochange.com

Most interventions for men who batter are standardized and “one-size-fits-all.” A randomized clinical trial is underway to assess the efficacy of a computerized Transtheoretical Model (TTM)-based multimedia intervention and print manual developed as an adjunct to traditional batterer programs. The tailored treatment group, at program intake and at 2 and 5 months follow-up, received computer-administered assessments and feedback matched to stage of change and other TTM variables. The standard care group received computer assessments at intake and 5 months follow-up. Data from the first 200 subjects in their final computer session suggest that the intervention promotes progress through the stages of change and increases help-seeking. For example, compared to standard care participants, tailored treatment participants were significantly more likely to be in the Action stage (37% vs. 12%), and to have sought other group counseling (37% vs. 18%) and talked to a medical professional (40% vs. 22%) in their efforts to stay violence-free. Based on victims' reports (N = 74), offenders in the tailored treatment group were less likely to engage in psychological aggression (74% vs. 87%) and physical aggression (40% vs. 54%) at 6 months follow-up, though these findings did not reach statistical significance. However, group differences on several key behaviors were quite dramatic. For example, tailored treatment participants were significantly less likely to have beat up (3% vs. 23%) or slapped (9% vs. 28%) their partner than standard care participants. These findings provide preliminary support for the efficacy of the stage-matched intervention.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• summarize research findings on the efficacy of traditional group programs for domestic violence offenders;
• summarize preliminary findings on the efficacy of an individualized, Transtheoretical Model-based intervention for this population; and
• describe core dimensions of the Transtheoretical Model.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commertial supporters WITH THE EXCEPTION OF employed by and own stock options in Pro-Change Behavior Systems.

Recorded presentation