Research on the parenting practices of fathers involved in intimate partner violence (IPV) is limited. This study examines the effects of intervention programs on these fathers, focusing on psychological flexibility, masculinity, and parenting. It involved 143 fathers who participated in a randomized controlled trial of two court-mandated programs. Data were collected before and after treatment, about seven months apart.

The findings showed significant improvement in psychological inflexibility, but no notable changes in flexibility, traditional masculinity, or parenting warmth and involvement. Regression analyses indicated that post-treatment psychological flexibility and inflexibility were significant predictors of parenting warmth and involvement, while traditional masculinity did not show a similar effect.

These results highlight the importance of addressing psychological inflexibility to improve parenting among men who have engaged in IPV. The study suggests that interventions could help not only reduce violence but also enhance father-child relationships. Limitations include a smaller sample size and incomplete data due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research adds to the understanding of IPV interventions and underscores the need for targeted strategies to promote positive fathering behaviors in this group.