Citation

Levesque DA, Gelles RJ, Velicer WF. Cognit. Ther. Res. 2011; 24(2): 175-199.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1023/A:1005446025201

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The Transtheoretical Model of Change offers a promising stage-based approach to client–treatment matching to increase the efficacy of batterer treatment. This paper describes the development and validation of the URICA–Domestic Violence (URICA-DV), a four-dimensional stage measure assessing batterers' readiness to end their violence. Two hundred fifty-eight batterers in treatment at two Rhode Island agencies completed a questionnaire that included the URICA-DV, demographics, and measures expected to vary systematically with stage in a manner predicted by the Transtheoretical Model. A cross-validated cluster analysis yielded seven stage clusters based on URICA-DV scores: Reluctant, Immotive, Nonreflective Action, Unprepared Action, Preparticipation, Decision-making, and Participation. Findings provide preliminary evidence of validity of the URICA-DV. For example, participants in the most advanced stage clusters were most likely to have used strategies to end the violence in the last year. They engaged in less partner blame and valued the Pros and minimized the Cons of changing more than counterparts in the earlier stage clusters. Longitudinal research to assess the predictive validity of the URICA-DV is necessary.