Brief Motivational Interviewing for Dating Aggression
Effectiveness

Promising

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Promising

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Life periods served
Where the program was applied
Country of application
Description

This is a brief intervention that utilizes the motivational interviewing model to identify risk factors and the levels and effects of aggressive behavior among dating couples. The goal is to provide information to improve the relationship and reduce violence.
The couple individually fills out a form, and the therapist provides feedback after discussing possible changes to control harmful behaviors, such as excessive alcohol consumption and psychological aggression. At the end, couples receive a written summary of the assessment results, informational brochures, and a list of additional services they can access.

Impact evaluations

The impact evaluation showed that the program significantly reduced reports of physical aggression and problematic alcohol abuse, but had no significant effect on reports of psychological aggression [1].

Bibliographic reference

[1] Woodin, E. M. & O'Leary, K. D. (2010). A brief motivational intervention for physically aggressive dating couples. Prevention Science: The Official Journal of the Society for Prevention Research, 11(4), 371–383. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11121-010-0176-3

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