Reduction of intimate partner violence in a gay couple following alcohol treatment.
Although intimate partner violence among heterosexual couples is a growing topic of investigation, there remains a critical deficiency in the amount of research on violence and relationship functioning in gay men. This article presents baseline and follow-up data on a case study examining the effects of partial hospital alcohol treatment on one gay couple. This information may be helpful in understanding the relationship between alcohol use, violence, and relationship functioning in this population. On the basis of past research involving heterosexual couples as participants, we predicted that subsequent to one patient receiving alcohol treatment: 1) alcohol consumption would be reduced; 2) there would be a reduction in the amount of psychological aggression between partners; 3) there would be a reduction in the frequency of physically violent episodes; and 4) an overall improvement in relationship satisfaction would be evident. The couple was followed-up 6 and 12 months following the patient's alcohol treatment. The results indicate a decrease in alcohol use as well as reduced physical and psychological aggression, but no increase in relationship satisfaction. This case illustration may provide insight into the context surrounding intimate partner violence and relationship functioning in gay couples, with implications for further research and treatment.
Hellmuth
Julianne C
JC
University of Tennessee-Knoxville, 227 Austin Peay Building, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA. jhellmut@utk.edu
Follansbee
Katherine W
KW
Moore
Todd M
TM
Stuart
Gregory L
GL
D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control*