Casey T. Taft

Race and Demographic Factors in Treatment Attendance for Domestically Abusive Men

This study examined the influence of race and other demographic characteristics on session attendance and dropout from a cognitive-behavioral treatment program for male domestic abusers (N = 101). Multiple regression analyses revealed that lower session attendance was significantly predicted by unemployed status and African American (versus Caucasian) race. Other demographic factors could not account for the race differences in session attendance. Race was the strongest predictor of dropout and session attendance in all analyses. Racial composition of treatment groups was not significantly related to number of sessions attended for Caucasian or African American clients. Although the combined (interactive) effect of race and referral source on number of sessions was not statistically significant, the pattern of means suggested that self-referred African Americans were at the greatest risk for dropout. Results suggest that race differences in dropout, and the mechanisms that account for these differences, deserve more clinical and research attention in treatment for domestic abusers.

Ambulatory Monitoring and Physical Health Report in Vietnam Veterans with and Without Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

This study investigated the associations among PTSD, ambulatory cardiovascular monitoring, and physical health self-reports in 117 male Vietnam combat veterans (61 with PTSD and 56 without PTSD). PTSD was associated with health symptoms and number of current health conditions beyond the influence of several covariates. PTSD was associated with greater systolic blood pressure variability, and an elevated percentage of heart rate and systolic blood pressure readings above baseline. Higher mean heart rate and an elevated percentage of heart rate above baseline were associated with physical health symptoms. None of the ambulatory monitoring variables mediated the association between PTSD and physical health outcomes. Findings suggest that the interrelationships among ambulatory autonomic responses, PTSD, and physical health deserve more research attention.

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.