Assessment of the efficacy of a psychological treatment for women victims of violence by their intimate male partner.
This study evaluates the long-term efficacy of a brief psychotherapeutic cognitive-behavioral program in group format for female victims of violence by their intimate partner. 53 battered women were randomized into one of two intervention programs: one including among others exposure technique (n = 28) and another one in which exposure procedures were substituted by communication skills training (n = 25). Additionally, both programs included: psycho-education, breath control, training to improve self-esteem, cognitive restructuring, problem-solving, planning pleasant activities, and relapse prevention. The treatment was carried out in 8 weekly sessions. Measures of posttraumatic symptoms, anxiety, depression, self-esteem and anger expression were analyzed at pre- and post-treatment, and at 1-, 3-, 6- and 12-months follow-ups. Results show a pronounced decrease of posttraumatic, depressive and anxiety symptoms, which maintained in the different measure moments, with scarce difference between the two programs. The results and their clinical implications are discussed.
Crespo
María
M
Departamento de Psicología Clinica- Psicología Escolar, Universidad Complutense, Campus de Somosaguas, 28223 Madrid, Spain. mcrespo@psi.ucm.es
Arinero
María
M
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003142:Communication; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007171:Implosive Therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011340:Problem Solving; D011594:Psychometrics; D011614:Psychotherapy, Brief; D012649:Self Concept; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014754:Violence / Q000523:psychology*