The effect of a mandated setting on working with resistance in men who have a history of violent behavior
Professionals working with men who engage in violent behavior are often faced with low levels of motivation in those whose behavior they want to help change. In most cases, these men are not participating in programs voluntarily but as the result of a legal requirement or pressure from family and friends. Interviews with a group of men in such programs explored how they see resistance to such mandated, rather than voluntarily sought, help in order to better understand the factors that generate resistance and the intervention strategies that might mitigate it. Interview findings are then linked to the relevant literature in an attempt to connect theory and practice.