Moderators of Response to Motivational Interviewing for Partner-violent Men

Date

2012-10-01

Department

Program

Citation of Original Publication

Murphy, Christopher M., Erin L. Linehan, Jacqueline C. Reyner, Peter H. Musser, and Casey T. Taft. "Moderators of Response to Motivational Interviewing for Partner-Violent Men." Journal of Family Violence 27, no. 7 (October 1, 2012): 671-80. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-012-9460-2.

Rights

This version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review (when applicable) and is subject to Springer Nature's AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-012-9460-2

Abstract

Careful attention to motivation for change may enhance the effects of interventions for partner-violent men. The present study tested predictions about differential response to a two-session motivational intake (MI) for partner-violent men, which was compared to a structured intake (SI) control. For those who were initially reluctant to change, MI produced greater forward movement in stage of change. For those who claimed to have already solved their problems with partner abuse, MI produced greater backward movement in stage of change and greater homework compliance in subsequent group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). MI led to a stronger collaborative working alliance for those high in contemplation of change, and greater group session attendance for those with high trait anger. Contrary to hypotheses, analyses of post-CBT partner assault revealed a differentially greater benefit of MI for participants with lower levels of pretreatment contemplation and trait anger. The findings provide qualified support for the expectation that MI has the greatest beneficial effects on those who appear initially reluctant to change.