A01 Anger Management

• Cognitive behaviour treatment


  Novaco suggests cognitive factors trigger emotional arousal which generally precedes aggressive acts. People get angry quickly in anxiety-inducing situations.
• Behaviourist explanation of anger


  Behaviourist explanation suggests anger is reinforced by individual's feelings of control in the situation. Thus, anger management is a form of CBT and individual is taught to recognise when they're losing control and develop techniques bringing conflict resolution without violence.
• Three stages


  Novaco suggested three stages for anger management.
• Cognitive preparation


  The offender reflects on their past experiences and consider patterns of their anger. Offender learns to identify those situations which act as triggers for anger. Therapist helps offender to not interpret events irrationally.
• Skill acquisition


  Offenders introduced to range of techniques and skills to help deal with anger-provoking situation more rationally. Techniques involve cognitive (like positivie self-talking to encourage calmness) , behavioural (like meditation) or physiological.
• Application practice


  Offenders given opportunity to practice their skills in a monitored environment. Role play between offender and therapist reenacting scenarios that escalate anger and violence. Commitment required from offender and bravery from therapist.
• Example

  Keen et al studied progress of young offenders aged 17 and 21 who took part in national anger management programme. Compromises of 8 two-hour sessions.
• Keen et al findings


  Initially issues as programme not taken seriously and diary forgotten by prisons. But after, generally positive outcomes. Offenders found an increased awareness of their anger management and an increased capacity to exercise self control.