An exploration of intimate partner violence across the lifespan and the effectiveness of treatment

This thesis aims to further academic understanding of intimate partner violence (IPV) treatment and wider practice issues across the lifespan. Chapter one provides a background to the issues pertinent to IPV interventions among adolescents and adults. A systematic literature review is presented in Chapter two examining the association between attitudes condoning violence and adolescent IPV (AIPV). Significant yet modest associations were found although methodological differences impeded firm conclusions. Implications of the findings pertaining to gender differences, acceptability of AIPV-supportive attitudes, prevention and intervention are discussed. The empirical study in Chapter three investigated the effectiveness of an IPV intervention programme among a community sample of male perpetrators (N=259). Results show positive effect in relation to self-reported psychological change. The behavioural outcome measure of recidivism yielded more complex results relating to risk level, avoidant attachment, jealousy and age. Chapter four provides an in-depth critique of Spielberger’s (1999) STAXI-2; a standardised tool measuring an individual’s assessed experience and expression of anger. A discussion is presented regarding its’ general psychometric properties and utility amongst adolescent and adult IPV offenders. Chapter five draws the thesis together through considering the implications in light of identified limitations and future directions