Anger management

• Novaco suggests that cognitive factors trigger the emotional arousal that comes before aggressive acts. In some people, anger is 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
• Anger management is a form of CBT where the individual is taught to:

  • recognise the cognitive factors that trigger their anger and loss of control
  • develop behavioural techniques that bring about conflict resolution without the need for violence
• Stage 1: Cognitive preparation

  The offender reflects on their past experiences - they learn to identify triggers to anger and the ways their interpretation of events may be irrational
• Stage 2: Skills acquisition:

  Offenders are introduced to techniques to help deal with anger-provoking situations

  • cognitive - positive self talk to promote calmness
  • behavioural - assertiveness training to communicate more effectively (becomes automatic if practised)
  • physiological - methods of relaxation and/or meditation
• Stage 3: Application practice

  Offenders are given the opportunity to practise their skills in a carefully monitored environment. If the offender deals successfully with the tole play this is given positive reinforcement by the therapist
• Keen et al studied the progress of young offenders between 17 and 21 who took part in an anger management program - 8 two hour 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 of self control
• A problem with Keens study is that the self report by the offenders may not be reliable due to social desirability bias or so they can get their therapy time reduced
• One strength is that the benefits outlast behaviour modification. Unlike behaviour modification, anger management tackles the causes of offending i.e: cognitive processes. This may give offenders new insight into the cause of their criminality allowing them to self discover ways of managing ways of managing themselves outside of prison. This suggests that anger management is more likely than behaviour modification to lead to permanent behavioural change
• A counterpoint to the strength is that whilst anger management may have an effect on offenders in the short term, it may not help cope with triggers in real-world situations. This suggests that in the end, anger management may not reduce reoffending
• One limitation is that success depends on individual factors. Howells et al found that participants in an anger management program had little overall impact when compared to a control group who received no treatment. However, progress was made with offenders who showed intense levels of anger before the program and offenders who were motivated to change (treatment readiness). This suggests that anger management may only benefit offenders who fit a certain profile
• One limitation is that anger management is expensive. Anger management programs require highly trained specialists who are used to dealing with violent offenders. Many prisoners may not have the resources. In addition, change takes time and commitment, and this is ultimately likely to add to the expense of delivering effective programs. This suggests that effective anger management programs are probably not going to work in most prisons