Evaluation of a Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Batterer Intervention

Background and Purpose:  The most common Batterer Intervention Programs (BIP) for male domestic violence offenders are 6-month (or more) educative curricula of feminist principles integrated with behavioral principles that challenge patriarchal attitudes/behaviors and gendered entitlement/minimization.  While later versions of this Duluth Model have incorporated cognitive behavioral approaches, evaluations of outcomes of BIPs based on this model continue to suggest that the approach is limited in preventing the recidivism of domestic violence.  Based on a strengths and competency-based perspective, an alternative model, solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), supports a client’s solution building and accountability for change by viewing and treating the person as competent and resourceful.  Practitioners look to view what a client’s future hopes and goals are while being responsive to what clients might be doing already or have done to get what they want.  Recent studies suggest that SFBT approaches can be effective for preventing recidivism in domestic violence offenders, but there is a need for more studies to establish the efficacy of SFBT for BIPs and to disseminate manualized versions of these programs to encourage their wider adoption as an alternative to Duluth Model-based BIPs. We present the results of a test of an SFBT-based BIP.

Method:  Our research team evaluated an 8-week, small-group SFBT intervention for domestic violence administered by Fort Worth, Texas, therapist Blaine Moore with a sample of 140 first-time convicted male offenders.  Measures were administered on paper prior to the first session and after completion of the final session.

Results:  Pre- vs. post-intervention analyses yielded highly significant self-reported improvements in self-functioning, family functioning, solution identification behaviors, goal self-efficacy, seeking alternative solutions to achieve goals, and satisfaction with life.  Pretest vs. posttest changes in family functioning were significantly correlated with changes in solution identification (r = .56, p < .01) and goal self-efficacy (r = .25, p < .05), suggesting that program effects worked through targeting goal-related behaviors, and that effects on family functioning may have been mediated by program changes in solution-focused behaviors and goal self-efficacy. Improved family functioning was also significantly correlated with improved self-functioning and life satisfaction (r = .40, p < .001), showing more global positive effects of the program.  These findings were further validated by a 1½-3 year post-intervention records check that showed that only 9 of the 118 men who received the intervention had been re-arrested for a domestic violence offense.

Conclusions and Implications:   These findings support the use of solution-focused brief therapy-based batterer intervention programs as an effective means for preventing male domestic violence.  The focus on more instrumental means for dealing with conflicts in relationships may be more effective, because it is compatible with male gender role socialization. Different from the traditional Duluth Model-type BIP based on feminist philosophy, the SFBT approach helps abusive men change by utilizing the strengths and competence that they already have. Social workers working with men who are abusive to their partners must recognize the potential strengths and ability to change that each of their offending clients have.