The purpose of this action study was to conduct a group psychotherapy for male spouse abusers using TFA Systems™. This treatment method examined the specific thoughts (T), feelings (F), and actions (A) experienced by abusive men in pre-violent situations.

Situational specificity was followed throughout the treatment, making it relevant to the individual offender. The presenting problem leading to each subject's arrest was carefully analyzed using TFA assessment methods. Cues of approaching violence were isolated, and described in TFA terms. Subjects also identified personalized high-stress situations prone to violence. Applying TFA methods to these selected situations, they learned individualized and non-violent alternatives, preparing strategies for control. Group process was structured for flexibility, using the TFA Helping Cycle.

The evaluation component of this study assessed the immediate outcomes and initial effects of treatment. Data were collected from subjective and objective assessments, using triangulation to strengthen observations.

The results of this action study suggest that the TFA assessment methodology effectively described spouse abusers' TFA interactions prior to impulsive violence. Subjects were able to learn and apply the TFA concepts so as to increase pre-violence awareness. Participants in treatment became more thinking oriented in situations of mounting tension, moderating feelings, and actions. TFA treatment responded to the context, thoughts, feelings, and actions of abusive men. The Hutchins Behavior Inventory, an assessment of TFA functioning in specified situations, confirmed changes in abusers' TFA functioning. TFA treatment was shown to be a promising method for intervening in the violence cycle.