Predictors of treatment dropout from a spouse abuse abatement program

This study evaluated predictors of dropout among men who began and attended at least 1 session of a cognitive-behavioral, skills training oriented spo use abuse abatement counseling program. Based on prior research, a number o f demographic, criminal justice, partner violence pattern, and personality characteristics were studied. Dropout prediction was assessed at 2 phases o f program participation, during assessment (early drop) and during interven tion (late drop). Overall, few of the variables studied predicted dropout. Early dropout was predicted by high rates of police contact for violent cri mes, failure to self-report an alcohol problem, and paranoid personality ch aracteristics. Late dropout was predicted by both high and moderate levels of police contact for violent crimes, and borderline personality characteri stics. An Age x Violent Crime interaction suggested that young violent offe nders are more likely to complete treatment. The overall model accounted fo r only 7.15% of the variance. Clinical and research implications are discus sed.