Citation

Lawson DM, Barnes AD, Madkins JP, Francois-Lamonte BM. Psychotherapy 2006; 43(2): 232-237.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/0033-3204.43.2.232

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examined attachment pattern change of partner violent men over the course of 17 weeks of integrated cognitive-behavioral/psychodynamic group treatment. Results indicated a significant increase in the number of men reporting a secure attachment from pre- to posttreatment. Subsequent analysis indicated that secure-changed men reported significant increases in comfort with closeness and depending on others from pre- to posttreatment. From pre- to posttreatment, insecure and secure-unchanged men reported an increase in avoidance of closeness. Additionally, secure-changed men reported lower anxiety and depression than insecure men at posttreatment. Finally, the total sample reported significant reductions in partner violence from pre to posttreatment. Based on these results, it would be important for clinicians and researchers to distinguish between men who changed to a secure attachment pattern over the course of treatment and securely attached men who remained unchanged.