Cognitive behavioral and supportive group treatments for partner-violent men*

The study examined the relative efficacy of cognitive-behavioral group therapy (CBT) and supportive group therapy (ST) for partner-violent men at a community agency. Eighty-six men were assigned and exposed to ST or CBT. Outcome analyses, based on participant reports at pre- and posttreatment, collateral partner reports at pre, post, and 6-month follow-up, and criminal justice data gathered 2 to 3 years after treatment, revealed no significant differences between ST and CBT on the primary outcomes of partner aggression and arrests. Across conditions, clients showed significant decreases in physical assault, psychological aggression, and injuries, significant increases in self-esteem and self-efficacy for abstaining from partner aggression, and significant movement on stage-of-change scales. ST clients had significantly greater increases than CBT clients on two secondary outcome variables: negotiation tactics and self-efficacy for abstaining from verbal aggression. Neither partner reports of criminal recidivism nor criminal data revealed significant treatment condition differences. The findings failed to demonstrate an added benefit of behavioral group interventions over the effects of a supportive group treatment experience for partner-violent men.