Abstract
The present case study examined effects of an intervention based on functional assessment of social interaction for an intimate partner violence survivor exhibiting social turmoil and irritation. Although the client had obtained support from therapists, previous interventions had induced avoidant or resistant behavior, instead of approach behavior. The present therapist analyzed which stimuli from the therapist appeared to reinforce the client's approach behavior, and decided to nod and show agreement when the client was speaking. After that, the client began to articulate her situation, which enabled the therapist to treat her cognition. Her interaction with people around her became more reinforcing with improvement of her evaluation of social stimuli. Her chronic tension, agitation, and social avoidance behavior also decreased. The present case study suggests that, in treatment of intimate partner violence survivors, it may be important to focus on clients' social avoidance behavior that makes it difficult for therapists to understand their clients' situation, to reinforce clients' approach behavior, and to consider ways to improve clients' behavior.
