Endorsement of couples counseling in a domestic violence case as a function of training

Reactions of students in helping professions to domestic violence were examined with respect to whether or not the students had any training in domestic violence. One hundred, four students read one of two vignettes describing a domestic violence case and responded to statements related to treatment options. The vignettes differed only in education level and occupation of the target of the violence. Students with training in domestic violence evidenced less willingness to endorse couples counseling as a treatment option than those without the knowledge or training. This main effect held across both SES conditions.