Evaluation of an intervention for men experiencing angry emotions and violent behaviour

This poster explores the background and methodology of an evaluation of a programme intervention for men (16+ years) that experience angry emotions and/or exhibit violent behaviour. Men who experience feelings of anger and/or that behave in violent ways are limited in where they can go for support. In one locality, men who experience angry emotions or exhibit violent behaviour can self-refer, or can be mandated by court order, to attend a programme of facilitator and group-based peer support designed to reduce angry emotions and incidence of violent behaviour. A ‘realist’ methodology is being used in this evaluation, recognising that any programme intervention is embedded in existing social processes. The research (in progress) utilises qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. Qualitative data is elicited using semi-structured interviews. Interviews with intervention staff and stakeholders have led to the development of ‘programme theories’ about how the intervention works, for whom, in what contexts and why. These programme theories are expressed as Contexts, Mechanisms and Outcomes (CMO) configurations. These CMOc will be tested and refined in future fieldwork with the participants of the 12 week programme intervention.