The Effectiveness of Human Systems Therapy (HST) on Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): An Empirical Study in Greece

Abstract

Conflict is expected in relationships, but the act of violence is not. In the global phenomenon of intimate partner violence (IPV) and international research on effective models for its eradication, Human Systems Therapy (HST) represents a recommended and auspicious form of intervention. The aim of the present research was to empirically evaluate the effectiveness of the HST model in IPV. HST is a systemic model that has been developed over time and has shown significant results in couple and family therapy. It is a multi-level, brief therapy that intervenes in relationships, utilising First and Second Order Cybernetics principles and methods. This present research, conducted as a Multiple Case Study, investigated the effectiveness of HST in eighteen individuals (nine heterosexual couples) referred to therapy by the Public Prosecutor's Office following a complaint of physical violence by one member of the couple against the other. The investigation of HST effectiveness was conducted using a mixed data collection method, encompassing both quantitative and qualitative data. The Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2) was administered to record and evaluate the conflict tactics employed by the couples, and the Differential Emotions Scale-modified (DES.MOD) was used to record and assess the degree of positive and negative emotions experienced by the couple members before and after the interventions. The results indicated that the HST model can bring statistically significant changes to the couples' relationships concerning the eradication of violence and increase positive emotions between them.