Journal Article

Methodological Challenges in Group-based Randomised Controlled Trials for Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators: A Meta-summary

Cramer, Helen, Hester, Marianne, Morgan, Karen, Turner, William, Feder, Gene

2023

Overview

Evidence for treatment effects of group-based Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) perpetrators programmes remains, at best, inconclusive. In the present review, systematic/meta-analytic reviews were used to identify randomised controlled trials and a meta-summary approach was employed to identify methodological challenges in the design and conduct of these trials. Of the fifteen studies identified, seven were comparative effectiveness trials. A range of methodological challenges were also identified by the trialists; source of outcome data, treatment modality, attrition and sample characteristics were the most frequently mentioned. Although there are only a few randomised controlled trials compared to non randomised studies, the findings of both highlight the need to invest in the development of innovative and/or combined IPV treatment programmes to address co-occurring issues such as substance use and trauma. The summary of methodological challenges will provide the first step in the development of methods guidance for researchers working in this area.

• Publisher: Revista de Psicología del Trabajo y de las Organizaciones,Colegio Oficial de la Psicología de Madrid,Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid
• Subject: Attrition / batterer intervention / Challenges / Comorbidity / Domestic violence / Gender-based violence / group-based perpetrator programmes / Intervention / Intimate partner violence / Methodological problems / partner abuse / Perpetrators / Post traumatic stress disorder / Psychology / Psychology, Social / Psychotherapy / Research methodology / Substance abuse / Trauma / Treatment programs / Women