Citation

Merchant LV, Whiting JB. J. Marital Fam. Ther. 2018; 44(4): 590-605.

Affiliation

Brigham Young University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/jmft.12278

PMID

29194695

Abstract

Intimate partner violence is a common and damaging experience for many couples, and therapists struggle to address it adequately (Johnson, 2008). Despite its negative effects, many violent couples stay together, with some stopping their violent behaviors. Unfortunately, we know little about the systemic factors affecting violence desistance. This study used grounded theory methods to analyze the process of desistance in formerly violent couples. A model of desistance consisting of three categories was developed, which for most couples included a (a) Turning Point, (b) Decision to Change, and (c) Doing Things Differently. Therapists are encouraged to use the model to better understand the varied and systemic nature of violence and desistance, and to make more sophisticated decisions about referral and treatment.

© 2017 American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy.

Language: en