AO3

• Eclectic approach - it works on different levels: cognitive thought processes, behavioural concepts and a social approach in role play - multidisciplinary - holistic intervention
• Tackles the cause of offending, not just on the surface like token economy - gives offenders new insight and helps develop coping mechanisms - permanent change and reduces recidivism
• Limited long term effectiveness - Blackburn (1993) suggests anger management is effective short term but not long term [because of the artificial nature of the role play which may not reflect real-life] - can question its effectiveness
• Anger doesn’t always cause offending = so the intervention may be pointless - research found little difference in levels of anger in violent and non violent offenders.

  Plus, some crimes like financial crimes are not motivated by anger - limited application
• Expensive - anger management requires trained specialists - prisons may not be able to fund this and so gaining access to this may be a postcode lottery - money may also be wasted if the offender does not commit to the programme - only available for some people
• Ireland (2004) compared progress of offenders taking part in anger management and a control group of offenders

  • After 12 sessions for the anger management group, the outcomes were assessed using an interview, behaviour checklist and self-report
  • 92% of those experiencing anger management has shown an improvement on at least one masure, 48% showed an improvement on the checklist and self-report
  • There were no improvements in the control - anger management s valid and effective