Effects of a group preventive intervention on risk and protective factors related to dating violence

A group intervention was designed to impact protective and risk factors related to dating violence in college students. The group used a manualized approach to address gender-role stereotypes and conflicts, healthy and nonhealthy entitlement attitudes, and communication and anger management skills. The experimental group consisted of 28 undergraduates who attended 4 1.5-hr group sessions. The experimental group was compared with a control group of 30 undergraduates who did not receive an intervention. The experimental group demonstrated significant reduction in (a) the restricting of emotions, (b) acceptance of traditional and stereotypical gender roles, and (c) the use of escalating strategies in conflict and negative attributions toward the target of anger. The experimental group also demonstrated significant increases in self-awareness of anger and healthy entitlement.