Citation

Veenstra GJ, Scott CG. J. Fam. Violence 1993; 8(1): 71-87.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, The University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, 1010 N. Kansas, 67214 Wichita, Kansas; University of Iowa, N368 Lindquist Center, 52242 Iowa City, Iowa

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/BF00986994

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Using time out to interrupt escalating conflict is an important first step in treating couples and families where physical and emotional abuse is present. Since a time out failure can jeopardize further treatment, developing effective methods for using time out is a therapeutic priority. By interpreting the family''s failed attempts as skill deficits, their efforts can be reframed to facilitate their acceptance of new time out methods. These methods are integrated into a model which outlines six hierarchical levels of supplemental control needed to inhibit destructive behavior. The model provides guidelines and establishes incentives for developing a time out strategy appropriate to the family''s current level of control. It is designed to guide therapists in helping families strengthen their skills and choose an alternative time out strategy when an initial method fails.