The impact of an intervention program on abusive intimate behaviors, self-esteem, and self-concept of male perpetrators of intimate partner violence

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of a multimodal perpetrator intervention program (PIP) on intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators’ self-reported abusive behaviors, self-esteem, and self-concept. A sample of 53 male IPV perpetrators, both court- and self-referred to a community-based PIP, were assigned to one of two conditions: intervention condition (IC; n = 38) and waiting list control condition (WLCC; n = 15). Data on self-reported intimate violence, self-esteem, and self-concept were collected at baseline, post-test, and 6-month follow-up. The Reliable Change Index (RCI) was also computed. A considerable percentage of IC participants end or substantially reduce their abusive behavior (reoffending self-reported rates were 10.7% at post-treatment and 12.5% at follow-up). IC participants increase self-esteem and self-concept. Changes were maintained at follow-up. Significant differences were found between the groups, with IC participants reporting reductions in abusive behaviors, scoring higher on self-esteem and self-concept, and revealing greater clinical changes than WLCC participants. These findings suggest that multimodal interventions improve self-esteem and self-concept and reduce IPV perpetration.