The Effect of Brief, Passive Psychoeducation on Knowledge and Ratings of Intimate Partner Violence in the United States and Argentina

Abstract

This study explored the benefits of brief, passive psychoeducation about intimate partner violence (IPV) in two diverse samples. Participants were 100 college students from the United States and Argentina. The experimental group received brief psychoeducation about IPV, whereas control subjects did not. Results indicated that participants receiving brief, passive psychoeducation did significantly better on a subsequent IPV knowledge quiz and were significantly more likely to label IPV scenarios as abusive than participants in the control group. Mean differences were largest for the more subtle forms of IPV (e.g., social and economic abuse). In contrast, mean differences were negligible for physical and sexual abuse, in part because nearly all participants saw these acts as abusive regardless of condition. There were no significant differences in knowledge improvement as a function of cultural group. Prevention and intervention efforts are discussed.