A gender-sensitive intervention in jail: A study of Italian men convicted of assaulting women or femicide. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Testoni, Ines; Pedot, Mara; Arbien, Maibrit; Keisari, Shoshi; Cataldo, Evelina; Ubaldi, Consuelo; Ronconi, Lucia; Zamperini, Adriano
• Is Part Of: Arts in psychotherapy. Volume 71(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: Femicide -- Intimate fatal violence -- Masculinity -- Arts-based therapy -- Photo-based therapy -- Psychodrama -- Prison; Art therapy -- Periodicals; Dance therapy -- Periodicals; Music therapy -- Periodicals; Poetry -- Therapeutic use -- Periodicals; 616.891656
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aip.2020.101704
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0197-4556

Abstract

Highlights: Femicide is a huge problem all over the world caused by hegemonic maschilism. Arts therapies are considered to be effective methods for raising awareness. Psychodrama and PhotoTherapy increase socio-emotional skills and can be used in prison. This art-therapy intervention in prison was effective in changing offenders' sexism. Abstract: Gender-based violence is deeply rooted in hegemonic masculinity and patriarchy, the source of both hostile and benevolent sexism. This study is an assessment of a gender-sensitive intervention realized through photo-based therapy and psychodrama, conducted in 9 sessions with 9 male prisoners detained in north-eastern Italy who are convicted of assaulting or murdering women. The research adopted a qualitative method design in analysing the interview texts, carried out with the Client Change Interview and the Helpful Aspects of Therapy, and the transcribed reports from all 9 sessions. The findings revealed that the intervention transformed the participants' hostility into benevolent sexism and that they had replaced their concepts of machismo and honor with a new representation of the ideal man as a "maternal father." This shift was a result of a consciousness-raising process that recognizes the value of emotions and the need for empathic relationships.