Differential MCMI-III psychopathological profiles between intimate partner violence perpetrators with and without childhood family violence.

This study explored the differential prevalence of personality disorders (PD) and clinical syndromes between male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) with and without a history of childhood family violence (CFV). A sample of 981 perpetrators of IPV was assessed with the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III). Comparisons of sociodemographic characteristics and MCMI-III scales' scores between perpetrators with (n = 293) and without (n = 688) CFV were carried out. Results showed that IPV perpetrators with CFV had a lower level of education, were less frequently employed, and had higher rates of previous psychiatric history than perpetrators without CFV. Statistically significant differences between groups in almost all the MCMI-III scales were found. Perpetrators with CFV presented with higher scores on most of the evaluated scales and showed a more severe psychopathological profile than perpetrators without CFV. The multivariate analysis showed that the main MCMI-III domains related to CFV were higher scores on the disclosure and alcohol dependence scales and lower scores on the passive-aggressive scale. These findings reveal that CFV is associated with a more severe psychopathological profile in perpetrators of IPV. In order to develop tailored interventions, the presence of CFV and psychopathological symptoms should be assessed in IPV perpetrators.

Treatment effectiveness for male intimate partner violence perpetrators depending on problematic alcohol use.

BACKGROUND: Problematic alcohol use (PAU) is highly correlated with intimate partner violence perpetration (IPV). However, when treatments for male IPV perpetrators that address alcohol consumption are evaluated, the results are varied. Therefore, the main goal of this study was to assess the differential long-term effectiveness of a standard individual treatment programme for male IPV perpetrators depending on the presence of PAU. METHODS: The sample was composed of 641 male IPV perpetrators who completed a specialized individual treatment programme for gender violence perpetrators. All of the participants were followed for one year after treatment completion. RESULTS: The effects of PAU on treatment success were evaluated by means of multiple logistic regression analyses. The full model was reliable (χ2 = 10.243; df = 3; p = .016), and overall, 88.8% of the predictions were accurate. The findings indicated that the probability of successful treatment does not depend on the presence of PAU. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between IPV perpetration and PAU is highly complex, and several underlying mechanisms should be further evaluated. Accordingly, interventions should not only screen for alcohol consumption but also for all individual characteristics that might necessitate tailored treatment.

Differential psychopathological profile of male intimate partner violence perpetrators depending on Problematic alcohol use.

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the differential psychopathological profile between male perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) with and without problematic alcohol use (PAU). METHOD: A sample of 981 men was recruited from a specialized IPV perpetrators treatment programme. All of them were assessed with the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2), and the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III (MCMI-III). Comparisons between perpetrators with (n = 125) and without (n = 856) PAU on all the variables studied were carried out. RESULTS: Perpetrators with PAU were less frequently employed and had higher rates of previous psychiatric history and childhood family violence. Moreover, they presented with higher levels of cognitive biases about women and violence. On a psychopathological level, participants with PAU reported significantly higher scores on the SCL-90-R, on the STAXI-2, and on almost all the MCMI-III scales than did those without PAU. The multivariate logistic regression analyses showed that the main variables related to PAU were as follows: higher levels of previous psychiatric history, distorted thoughts about women, depression, drug dependence, and various personality disorders (bipolar, dysthymia, antisocial, avoidant, borderline, and schizotypal); and lower scores on internal control, anger reaction, paranoid ideation, and schizoid personality disorders. DISCUSSION: IPV perpetrators with PAU have a more severe psychopathological profile than those without PAU. Additionally, several variables along with PAU may have contributed to the development of IPV. Therefore, tailored interventions should be developed for those perpetrators with PAU.

Effectiveness of a treatment programme for immigrants who committed gender-based violence against their partners.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the number of immigrant perpetrators who attend treatment programmes for partner violence has increased. In this study, the effectiveness of a psychological treatment programme for immigrant men who have committed a gender-based violent crime was evaluated. METHODS: The sample was composed of 300 individuals (150 immigrants and 150 citizens) who received treatment in the batterer intervention programme developed in Pamplona (Navarra). A two-group design was used (immigrants and citizens) with multiple, repeated evaluations (pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 12-month follow-up). RESULTS: Results showed the usefulness of the programme, with no statistically significant differences in the success and improvement rates observed between the immigrant and citizen patient groups. Post-treatment success rate was 34.6% both in the immigrant group and the citizen group. The improvement rate was 51.3% in both groups. Results at 12-month follow up were nearly the same. The combined rate of success and improvement was 87.3% among immigrants and 86.6% among citizens. In addition, the associated psychopathologic symptoms exhibited significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The tested programme was shown to be effective in the treatment of immigrant batterers.