Abstract
Data are presented from a pilot study that tested the initial effectiveness of the Dialectical Psychoeducational Workshop (DPEW) in reducing the potential risk for intimate partner violence (IPV). A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of an experimental intervention (DPEW), and a control condition, the first session of an eight-week anger management program (AMW), was employed. Differences between experimental and control groups were analyzed by chi-square and t tests. Self-report questionnaires were administered pre- and post-test to 55 study participants. The questionnaire was comprised of standardized measures and highly-structured questions. Quantitative analyses provided strong preliminary support for the DPEW’s effectiveness in lowering a participant’s desire to express anger physically, while decreasing the potential risk for physical violence. This pilot study demonstrated promising initial support for the DPEW as an alternative, preventative intervention for males at risk for intimate partner violence. Its strong preliminary results provide evidence for a larger RCT. The study’s results are limited by a reliance on self-report measures, the brevity of the intervention, and a small sample size.
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Notes
Requests pertaining to the complete DPEW measures and full curriculum may be made to: Mary M. Cavanaugh, PhD, at mary.cavanaugh@hunter.cuny.edu
Three respondents’ questionnaires ultimately could not be used as they were either missing a pre- or post-test questionnaire.
If during the course of the study, the researchers were to become aware of a participant’s threat of or use of violence, he would have been given an immediate referral for appropriate services and, where necessary, the proper legal authorities would have been notified.
For copies of the DPEW hand-outs and complete curriculum, please contact: Mary M. Cavanaugh, PhD, at mary.cavanaugh@hunter.cuny.edu
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Cavanaugh, M.M., Solomon, P.L. & Gelles, R.J. The dialectical psychoeducational workshop (DPEW) for males at risk for intimate partner violence: a pilot randomized controlled trial. J Exp Criminol 7, 275–291 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-011-9126-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-011-9126-8