The Effectiveness of Violence Reduction Therapy in Detained Adult Male Populations: Insights from a Systematic Review and Treatment Evaluation Capturing Individual Level Changes

Abstract

A systematic review examined the effectiveness of violence reduction therapy in detained forensic populations, capturing 23 papers. This demonstrated several themes and a failure to consider individual change alongside group effects. Consequently, the review was followed by evaluation of an aggression therapy program (Life Minus Violence-Enhanced: LMV-E) among adult male forensic patients (n = 26), which considered group and individual treatment change. Collectively, the research demonstrated a positive effect on emotional regulation (anger), with the ability to control and experience this particularly evidenced following therapy. The paper highlights the importance of accounting for individual change and developing theory informed evaluations.