Cognitive-behavioral treatment of men who batter: The short-term effects of group therapy

A cognitive-behavioral approach for the treatment of wife abuse was evaluated using a pre-post design and multiple outcome measures. The treatment approach consisted of assertiveness training, relaxation training, and cognitive restructuring. Treatment also focused on increasing the client's acceptance of sex-role changes. Data were available on 92 men who completed 12 sessions of a skills group and eight sessions of a supplemental process group. There were significant changes in the desired direction in anger level, jealousy, depression, and attitudes about women's roles. These changes were maintained after adjusting scores for social desirability response bias. The importance of adjusting scores for response bias or obtaining spouse's reports of the man's behavior is discussed.