Anger management

• what did Novaco suggest in terms of cognitive behaviour treatment?

  Novaco suggests that cognitive factors trigger emotional arousal which precedes aggressive acts. Anger is often quick to surface in situations that are seen as anxiety-inducing and threatening.
• What are the behaviourist terms of CBT?

  becoming angry is reinforced by the individuals feeling of control in that situation. AM programmes are a form of losing control.
• What did Novaco develop?

  He developed a CBT to target the cognitive, physiological and behavioural aspects of anger in anger management.
• what are the stages of anger management?

  1: cognitive preparation 2: skill acquisition 3: application practise
• Stage 1: cognitive preparation

  The offender reflects on past experience and considers the typical pattern of their anger. The offender identifies situations which are triggers a redefines the situation as non-threatening, which is an automatic response for offenders.
• Stage 2 : skill acquisition

  they are introduced to techniques to help deal with anger-provoking situations more rationally and effectively. Cognitive: positive self-talk. Behavioural: assertiveness training. Physiological: relaxation methods
• Stage 3: application practise

  Offenders have the opportunity to practise skills in a carefully monitored environment. Successful négociation of role play is met with positive reinforcement form the therapist.
• AM example

  Keen et al : studies progress made in young offenders aged 17-21 who did AM programmes. Initially, the offenders didn’t take the course seriously, but finally, they were generally positive and had an increased awareness of AM difficulties.
• what is the positive point?

  eclectic approach
• positive - eclectic approach

  AM works in three different phases. A multidisciplinary approach acknowledges that offending is a complex and social activity. When addressing it, it must contain these elements.
• what is the negative point?

  AM is expensive and requires treatment
• negative - AM is expensive and requires treatment

  It needs highly trained professionals who are used to dealing with violent offenders. Many prisons don‘t have the resources to fund such programmes.