Jocelyn Lindsay

Does the transtheoretical model predict attrition in domestic violence treatment programs

Attrition in intervention programs for domestically violent men is considered to be a serious and enduring problem. Researchers have found a number of sociodemographic variables that partially explain this phenomenon; however, models based on these variables have a limited predictive power. Scott (2004) argues that a firm theoretical base is needed in future investigations of the problem and suggests the use of the transtheoretical model of behavior change (TTM), which was found to predict dropout with accuracy in other areas of behavioral change. This study investigated the relationship between four TTM constructs (Stages of Change, Decisional Balance, Self-Efficacy, and Processes of Change) and premature termination with a sample of Canadian French-speaking men (N = 302) in five domestic violence treatment programs. Contrary to the initial hypotheses, the TTM constructs did not predict dropout. Discussion investigates how social desirability bias affects results being obtained by current TTM measures and whether more motivation to change at intake necessarily relates to involvement in treatment for longer periods of time.

Therapeutic Factors at the Beginning of the Intervention Process in Groups for Men Who Batter

This study aims to identify which therapeutic factors supported members in their commitment to a group for abusive men. Seventy-one members of therapy groups for men who batter were asked to rank therapeutic factors based on how they experienced the relative importance of these factors in their experience at the beginning of the group process. Findings indicate that at this stage, abusive men place greater importance on cognitive aspects that correspond to a process of self-understanding and awareness of their problem, whereas the interactive and emotional aspects of the group experience appear less significant. Results are discussed in terms of members’ characteristics and purposes for these groups.

The Emergence and the Effects of Therapeutic Factors in Groups

ABSTRACT This article explores the emergence of therapeutic factors in domestic violence mens group, as well as their effects on participants and the group. The authors conducted semistructured interviews with 72 men from groups in Quebec, after their fourth session. Thirty-eight of these men were met again, following their 16th session. A critical incident technique permitted us to identify various therapeutic factors. Three key factors are discussed: imparting information, hope, and cohesion. The authors found different processes influencing their development, particularly the roles of the worker, other members, and the group as a whole. These factors helped members meet their objectives and by their interdependency also contributed to group development. The authors made links with mutual aid and identified implications for research and practice.

Are Ecological and Social Models Influencing Prevention Practices? An Overview of the State of Affairs in Quebec for Child, Youth and Family Intervention

This paper presents the findings of a study designed to increase empirical knowledge of prevention and promotion practices targeted directly or indirectly at children, youth, and their families in the province of Quebec. A profile of these practices emerged from our analysis of the problems and concerns addressed by projects and programs in Quebec, targets for action, activities, strategies, links between organizations, and types of funding. These prevention and promotion practices are discussed in light of recent analyses and critiques in this field. It is hoped that this examination will encourage a healthy criticism of preventive efforts in Quebec, broaden of the scope of our interventions, and stimulate the creation of links between the actors involved in the welfare of children, youth, and families.

Therapeutic factors in the first stage of men's domestic violence groups: Men talk about universality and how it becomes operational in the group

This article reports on the qualitative findings of a Quebec study on therapeutic factors (TFs) in three ongoing mens domestic violence groups. The studys aim was to discover which TFs are important for male group members in their first stage of the group, and in particular, to explore how these men experienced and described universality. A content analysis was performed on interviews conducted with 72 group members following their third group session. We found that what was most important to the men was the knowledge they acquired about domestic violence, being able to share common concerns, and helping other members. The second part of the article reports on our qualitative analysts of universality, one of the most important TFs: how it was experienced by group members and how it became operational in the group. We believe that the methods of analysis developed in this study-examining symbols, characteristics, processes, and effects of TFs-can contribute to our understanding of the underlying elements of group work as an intervention method. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) (journal abstract)

Violence sexuelle en période de guerre: une revue des études empiriques

This article reviews the state of knowledge from studies of sexual violence during armed conflict as well as their different methodologies. It reviews the existing theoretical and empirical literature on this problem, using a mix of qualitative and