Cited by 158Intimate Partner and Family ViolenceCounseling, Therapy, and Family DynamicsPsychotherapy Techniques and Applications

Couples Therapy for Intimate Partner Violence: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

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Karakurt, Gunnur, Whiting, Kathleen, van Esch, Chantal, Bolen, Shari D., Calabrese, Joseph R.·2016·Journal of Marital and Family Therapy

Abstract

Intimate partner violence is a serious public health problem accompanied by substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite its documented impact on health, there is no widely recognized treatment of choice. Some studies indicate that couples suffering from situational violence may benefit from couples therapy, but professionals are cautious to risk the possibility of violent retaliation between partners. After a comprehensive literature search of 1,733 citations, this systematic review and meta‐analysis compiles the results of six studies to investigate the effectiveness of couples therapy as a treatment for violence. Preliminary data suggest that couples therapy is a viable treatment in select situations.

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Crossref · 10.1111/jmft.12178

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  • Dyadic treatment for IPV is successful in treating couples who experience situational violence.

    “Dyadic treatment for IPV has been found to be successful in treating couples who experience situational violence (Karakurt et al., 2016) but is contraindicated in relationships experiencing intimate partner terrorism or severe physical violence (Stith et al., 2011).”

    From The relationship between emotional intimate partner violence and other forms of violence: A metaanalytic review. (2024) · cites this paper as Karakurt et al., 2016

    The Discussion > Future Research (page unavailable) reports a moderate reduction in male-to-female situational violence following couples therapy. The Conclusions > Policy & Clinical Implications (page unavailable) limit the findings to mild-to-moderate situational violence and caution that benefits vary across couples. Thus, the source supports effectiveness in selected cases, but not the unqualified claim that dyadic treatment is successful for couples experiencing situational violence generally. (LLM, conf=0.85)

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Authors
Karakurt, G., Whiting, K., van Esch, C., Bolen, S. D., & Calabrese, J. R.
Affiliations
  • Case Western Reserve University
  • Case Western Reserve University (US)
Venue
Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
Publisher
Wiley
Published
2016-07-05
Volume
42
Issue
4
Pages
567-583
ISSN
  • 0194-472X (ISSN-L)
  • 1752-0606
OpenAlex
W2472676088
Cited by
158
References
4
Citations by year
2026: 21 · 2025: 17 · 2024: 22 · 2023: 14 · 2022: 20 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 19 · 2019: 12 · 2018: 7 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 1
FWCI
1.64
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (KL2TR000440)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Health › Intimate Partner and Family Violence
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Counseling, Therapy, and Family Dynamics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
Keywords
couple therapy, intimate partner violence, domestic violence treatment, treatment effectiveness
MeSH terms
Intimate Partner Violence, Humans, Outcome Assessment, Health Care, Couples Therapy

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