Acceptability of a stage-matched expert system intervention for domestic violence offenders.
Most interventions for men who batter are standardized and "one-size-fits-all," neglecting individual differences in readiness to change. A multimedia expert system intervention based on the transtheoretical model (the "stage model") was developed as an adjunct to traditional court-mandated programs. The expert system assesses stage of change, decisional balance, self-efficacy, and processes of change and provides immediate individualized stage-matched feedback designed to increase readiness to end the violence. Fifty-eight male batterer intervention program clients were invited by agency staff to complete an expert system session and an evaluation of the program; 33 men were recruited at program intake and the remainder from ongoing groups. Responses to the intervention were very positive. For example, 87% of participants reported that they found the program to be easy to use, and 98% said it could probably or definitely help them change their attitudes or behaviors. Findings provide encouraging evidence of the acceptability of this stage-matched approach to intervention for domestic violence offenders.
Levesque
Deborah A
DA
Pro-Change Behavior Systems, Inc., Kingston, Rhode Island 02892, USA. dlevesque@prochange.com
Driskell
Mary-Margaret
MM
Prochaska
Janice M
JM
Prochaska
James O
JO
D000328:Adult; D003194:Computer-Assisted Instruction / Q000379:methods*; D005103:Expert Systems / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D010358:Patient Participation; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome