A Systematic Review of Empirical Studies Measuring Training Effects on Biases Evidenced by Professionals toward Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

A professional’s response to a client’s disclosure of intimate partner violence (IPV) is shown to significantly impact client outcomes. The quality of a professional’s response is largely influenced by that professional’s beliefs or biases surrounding IPV. This systematic review examined empirical studies conducted in North America and published between 2000 and 2020 evaluating training effects on biases held by professional groups toward victim-survivors of IPV. Search and extraction were conducted in accordance with preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses standards across seven electronic databases. A total of 17 studies met inclusion criteria. Participant groups included professionals from medical, academic, and social/community service disciplines. All included studies reported significant gains on at least one measure of bias. Upon visual inspection, we found no correlations between characteristics of training interventions and reported outcomes on measures of bias. We discuss results in terms of challenges to measuring bias and functional relationships between training interventions, measures of bias, and professional behavior. Variation presented across studies within and between disciplines in regards to training methodology and measurement of bias. Experts in the field of IPV call for a more cohesive approach. We propose the behavior analytic conceptualization of bias as a framework through which interdisciplinary efforts might be unified toward addressing IPV-related biases. Through this lens, we discuss environmental cues within professional settings that might be influencing problematic IPV-related bias. We offer preliminary recommendations for curricular enhancements. We advocate for revision of terms commonly used in IPV-related research and intervention to better reflect and honor diversity across persons experiencing IPV.

Do negative cognitions influence first responders’ coping and attitudes toward others?

“…Similar results were found with the relationship between perceived stress and feelings of institutional betrayal, with those experiencing higher stress levels because of the pandemic feeling more betrayed by their institution. These results build on prior research noting that as first responders experienced increased stressors throughout the pandemic, they repeatedly felt unsupported or not "cared for" by their institution (Hendrickson et al, 2022;Sereno et al, 2023). Our findings also showed that as perceived stress levels increased, so did both maladaptive and adaptive coping frequencies.…”

“…The current relationship between first responders and their community is also well-researched, with supportive responses related to the reinforcement of help-seeking behavior, enhanced feelings of capability and resilience, and an increased likelihood of leaving the abusive relationship. On the other hand, unsupportive responses may lead to secondary victimization and the suppression of help-seeking behavior (Sereno et al, 2023). This has become of particular importance given the increased rates of IPV during the pandemic (Wood, Yirgu, et al, 2022).…”