A01: Anger Management - Dealing with offending behaviour

• Cognitive Factors trigger arousal (aggression)

  • Novaco (1975) suggests that cognitive factors trigger the emotional arousal that comes before aggressive acts
  • In some people, anger s quick to surface in situations they perceive to be threatening or anxiety-inducing
  • Becoming angry is then reinforced by the individual's feeling of control in that situation
• How are anger management programmes related CBT?

  Recognise triggers, lean skills

  Anger management programmes are a form of CBT

  An individual is taught to:

  • Recognise the cognitive factors that trigger heir anger & loss of control
  • Develop behavioural techniques that bring about conflict resolution without the need for violence

  CBT challenges irrational or unhealthy thinking so if it can be used to help individual to recognise cognitive factors which trigger their anger and then taught techniques which allow healthier ways of dealing with conflict.
• According to behaviourists how is anger reinforced?:

  When someone expresses anger, the positive feeling of control they receive reinforcers the behaviour meaning when that individual is in a similar anxiety - inducing situation in the future they will be more like to respond to anger.

  • How we think about a situation influences of emotional response, especially anger.
  • Its not just event itself but our interpretation of it that triggers strong feelings.
• Stage 1: Cognitive preparation

  Reflect on the past

  • This stage requires the offender to reflect on past experience and consider the typical pattern of their anger
  • They learn to identify those situations which act as triggers to anger and the ways their interpretation of events may be irrational
  • For instance, the offender may interpret someone looking at them a confrontation.
  • In redefining the situations as non threatening, the therapist is attempting to break what may be an automatic response for the offender

  The therapists role is to make this clear - rationalise it.
• Stage 2: Skills Acquisition

  Techniques to deal with anger

  • Offenders are introduced to a range of techniques and skills to help them deal with anger-provoking situations more rationally and effectively.

  Techniques may be:

  • Cognitive - positive self-talk to promote mantras
  • Behavioural - assertiveness training to communicate more effectively (becomes automatic if practised enough).
  • Physiological - methods of relaxation, breathing and/or meditation to control anger. Promotes idea that its possible for the offender to be in control of their emotions rather than be ruled by them.
• Stage 3:

  Application practice

  Role Play

  • Offenders given opportunity to practise their skills in a carefully monitored/controlled environment.
  • Such role play likely to involve offender & the therapist re-enacting scenarios that may have escalated feelings of anger/violence in past.
  • If offender deals successfully with role play they given positive reinforcement from therapist.

  Commitment needed from offender/engagement.

  Bravery from therapist (therapist needs trust to be confident the offender will respond safely.
• Keen et al (2000)

  Positive Outcomes with young offenders:

  Keen et al (200) studied the progress of young offenders between 19 and 21 who took part in an anger management programme - eight 2hr sessions.

  • Initially there were difficulties with the offenders forgetting their diaries and not taking it seriously
  • By the end offenders generally reported increased awareness of their anger and capacity for self-control

  CAN BE USED FOR A01 OR A03