S u m m a r y

 

Keltanen J., Räsänen E. & Holma J. (2008)

The development of reflexivity in batterers' treatment

Psykologia 44:275&endash;286. Vammala ISSN 0355-1067.

The aim of this study is to evaluate psychotherapeutic change in batterers from a cognitive-constructivist viewpoint, by evaluating whether the men's understanding of their problem develops towards higher reflexivity during treatment. The research analysis was based on therapy transcripts from group therapy sessions for domestically violent men. The development of the men's reflexive capacities was studied by making a step-by-step microanalysis based on the process model of reflexivity development introduced by Toskala and Hartikainen (2005). The development of reflexivity progressed for all the subjects. The turning point in the therapeutic process was the reformulation of the problem. When the men gained new insight concerning the causes of their violent behavior, a new kind of attitude appeared in regard to accepting responsibility, and towards motivation to change. The better the men understood that the problem arises from within themselves, the better they were able to regulate their emotional reactions and behavioral responses.

 

Key words: domestic violence, psychotherapeutic change, cognitive-constructivist theory, reflexivity.

 

Jenni Keltanen, M.A. (psych.), School psychologist, Espoo, Finland. E-mail: jenni.keltanen@espoo.fi.

Emma Räsänen, M.A. (psych.), Adolescent psychiatry, Keski-Suomen sairaanhoitopiiri, Jyväskylä, Finland. E-mail: emma.rasanen@ksshp.fi.

Juha Holma, Ph.D. (psych.), Lecturer, University of Jyväskylä, Department of Psychology. E-mail: juha.holma@psyka.jyu.fi.