A3 Book section, Chapters in research books
Reporting, Reflecting and Recognising Emotions in Therapeutic Work with Domestic Violence Perpetrators : Experiences of the Jyväskylä Group Model (2021)

Siltala, H., Päivinen, H., & Laitila, A. (2021). Reporting, Reflecting and Recognising Emotions in Therapeutic Work with Domestic Violence Perpetrators : Experiences of the Jyväskylä Group Model. In M. Husso, S. Karkulehto, T. Saresma, A. Laitila, J. Eilola, & H. Siltala (Eds.), Violence, Gender and Affect : Interpersonal, Institutional and Ideological Practices (pp. 135-155). Palgrave Macmillan. Palgrave Studies in Victims and Victimology. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56930-3_7

JYU authors or editors

Siltala, Heli
Päivinen, Helena
Laitila, Aarno

Publication details

All authors or editors: Siltala, Heli; Päivinen, Helena; Laitila, Aarno

Parent publication: Violence, Gender and Affect : Interpersonal, Institutional and Ideological Practices

Parent publication editors: Husso, Marita; Karkulehto, Sanna; Saresma, Tuija; Laitila, Aarno; Eilola, Jari; Siltala, Heli

ISBN: 978-3-030-56929-7

eISBN: 978-3-030-56930-3

Journal or series: Palgrave Studies in Victims and Victimology

Publication year: 2021

Pages range: 135-155

Number of pages in the book: 292

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Place of Publication: Cham

Publication country: Switzerland

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-56930-3_7

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access:

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/78705

Abstract

Emotions are central in therapeutic work, but interventions for violence vary in how they address emotions. While emotional work with perpetrators is often associated with ‘anger management’ and behavioural elements, a more comprehensive view of emotions might be beneficial in efforts to stop and prevent violent behaviour. Perpetrators’ self-regulation can be promoted by recognising and addressing primary feelings (vulnerability, fear, jealousy, etc.) that may manifest as anger and aggressive behaviour. However, this kind of therapeutic work with perpetrators of violence is also challenging for professionals. For example, when working towards ending violence, it is crucial to differentiate between accepting emotions and disapproving of violent behaviour. Furthermore, violence should not be conceptualised as solely a personal problem, as it is also strongly associated with institutional factors such as gender and the societal environment. In this chapter, the authors explore how emotional themes have been addressed in the Jyväskylä model for domestic violence. Three stages of processing emotions emerged from the data: (1) reporting secondary emotions, (2) reflection on primary emotions and (3) recognition of others’ feelings as precondition for victim empathy. We argue that long-term change towards non-violence requires understanding and processing emotions on all three levels.

Keywords: violence (activity); family violence; intervention; treatment methods; family therapy; offenders; emotions