Discomfort as a catalyst for change: new research highlights the role of emotional challenge in domestic abuse perpetrator programmes

A new study led by researchers from the University of Bristol and collaborators across the UK and Finland has shed light on the critical role of psychological discomfort in promoting behavioural change among men participating in domestic abuse perpetrator programmes (DAPPs).

Published in the Journal of Gender-Based Violence, the article explores findings from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) funded REPROVIDE Pilot – a 23-week group programme designed to support men in changing abusive behaviours. Through detailed analysis of video data, the researchers argue that discomfort, when carefully managed, can be a powerful pedagogical strategy that fosters transformative learning.

Key findings

  • Discomfort is essential: Behavioural change requires participants to confront uncomfortable truths about their actions and beliefs. This emotional challenge can lead to deeper reflection and transformation.
  • Avoidance undermines progress: The study found that discomfort is often avoided - either by participants themselves or by facilitators - potentially limiting the effectiveness of the programme.
  • Not all discomfort is helpful: The researchers caution that discomfort must be “held” safely. Poorly managed emotional distress can lead to withdrawal from the programme and may increase risk to victims.
  • A new framework: The article introduces a novel schematic for mapping types of psychological discomfort against participant responses, offering facilitators a tool to better navigate emotional dynamics in group sessions.

The authors call for enhanced facilitator training to ensure discomfort is used constructively and safely. By embracing discomfort as a pedagogical tool, DAPPs may be better equipped to support meaningful and lasting behaviour change.

Dr Nathan Eisenstadt, lead author from the Centre for Academic Primary Care, University of Bristol, said: “Discomfort is often seen as something to be avoided, but our research shows it can be a vital part of the learning process. The challenge is to ensure it’s managed in a way that supports, not undermines, behaviour change.”

The study represents a significant step forward in understanding the emotional dynamics of perpetrator programmes and offers practical insights for improving their impact.

Paper: Are you sitting comfortably? Discomfort as pedagogical strategy with perpetrators of domestic abuse by Nathan Eisenstadt, Karen Morgan, Chris Newman, Kate iwi, Helena Päivinen and Helen Cramer. Published in Journal of Gender-Based Violence. July 2025.

Further information

About the Centre for Academic Primary Care

The Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC) at the University of Bristol is a leading centre for primary care research in the UK, one of nine forming the NIHR School for Primary Care Research. It sits within Bristol Medical School, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for population health research and teaching. Follow on Bluesky: @capcbristol.bsky.social and LinkedIn.

About the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) 

The mission of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) is to improve the health and wealth of the nation through research. We do this by:

  • Funding high quality, timely research that benefits the NHS, public health and social care;
  • Investing in world-class expertise, facilities and a skilled delivery workforce to translate discoveries into improved treatments and services;
  • Partnering with patients, service users, carers and communities, improving the relevance, quality and impact of our research;
  • Attracting, training and supporting the best researchers to tackle complex health and social care challenges;
  • Collaborating with other public funders, charities and industry to help shape a cohesive and globally competitive research system;
    Funding applied global health research and training to meet the needs of the poorest people in low- and middle-income countries.

NIHR is funded by the Department of Health and Social Care. Its work in low and middle income countries is principally funded through UK Aid from the UK government.