Abstract
Despite consistent evidence that substance use is a contributory risk factor
for perpetration of intimate partner abuse (IPA), little evidence exists for
effective interventions for male IPA perpetrators who use substances. The
Advance intervention aimed to meet this need. This 16-week intervention
addressed both IPA and substance use, and was for men accessing substance
use treatment who had perpetrated IPA toward a female (ex-)partner within
the last 12 months. Two key theories underpinned the intervention: goal theory and self-regulation theory. In this article, we aim to illustrate the
views of men and substance use treatment staff on men’s motivations to
change, the ways in which men and staff said that men had changed their
behavior, and the aspects of the intervention that they reported were key
in the process of change. Using framework analysis, we analyzed data from
12 men who took part in the intervention as well as 31 staff members
from substance use treatment services. Our five overarching themes were
personal goal setting and motivation; recognition of IPA and the substance
using lifestyle; improved self-regulation; considering the impact on others;
and learning together in a group. Men and staff valued having a program
that integrated IPA and substance use and thought the program was unique
and much needed. Moreover, our findings suggest that goal theory, self regulation, and more broadly, motivational and strengths-based approaches
with practice-based activities, may be beneficial for effecting change in the
substance using perpetrator population. However, further research is needed
to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. Overall, our findings
highlight the value of using qualitative outcome measures of perpetrator
programs to complement quantitative measures of impact.
for perpetration of intimate partner abuse (IPA), little evidence exists for
effective interventions for male IPA perpetrators who use substances. The
Advance intervention aimed to meet this need. This 16-week intervention
addressed both IPA and substance use, and was for men accessing substance
use treatment who had perpetrated IPA toward a female (ex-)partner within
the last 12 months. Two key theories underpinned the intervention: goal theory and self-regulation theory. In this article, we aim to illustrate the
views of men and substance use treatment staff on men’s motivations to
change, the ways in which men and staff said that men had changed their
behavior, and the aspects of the intervention that they reported were key
in the process of change. Using framework analysis, we analyzed data from
12 men who took part in the intervention as well as 31 staff members
from substance use treatment services. Our five overarching themes were
personal goal setting and motivation; recognition of IPA and the substance
using lifestyle; improved self-regulation; considering the impact on others;
and learning together in a group. Men and staff valued having a program
that integrated IPA and substance use and thought the program was unique
and much needed. Moreover, our findings suggest that goal theory, self regulation, and more broadly, motivational and strengths-based approaches
with practice-based activities, may be beneficial for effecting change in the
substance using perpetrator population. However, further research is needed
to determine the effectiveness of the intervention. Overall, our findings
highlight the value of using qualitative outcome measures of perpetrator
programs to complement quantitative measures of impact.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1-31 |
| Number of pages | 31 |
| Journal | JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE |
| Early online date | 9 Mar 2021 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2022 |
Keywords
- intimate partner violence, intimate partner abuse, substance-related disorders, substance use, perpetrator program, intervention
