Anger Managment

• Novaco


  Suggests that cognitive factors trigger the emotional arousal (anger) which generally precedes aggressive acts
• Becoming angry is reinforced

  The individual feels control in the situation when they become angry
• Anger management

  1. Recognise anger triggers

  2. Develop techniques to bring about conflict-resolution without the need for violence

  3. Change and manage how they respond to anger
• Anger management

  A type of cognitive behavioural therapy which aims to enable offenders to manage their anger
• Novaco

  •Anger management can be used as part of the custodial sentence and outside of prison (e.g. as part of the probation period).•It’s conducted in small groups that last around 10 sessions.•It’s based on the stress inoculation approach which aims to provide a kind of vaccination against future ‘infections.’•
• Stages of Anger Management

  1. Cognitive preparation

  2. Skill acquisition

  3. Application practice
• Cognitive preparation


  The offender learns to recognise anger and their triggers for anger. The therapist can also carefully challenge irrational interpretations of events that trigger anger.
• Skill acquisition

  • Techniques and skills are learned to deal with the anger-provoking situations more rationally and effectively (i.e. controlling/reducing the anger response) e.g. positive self-talk, assertiveness training in how to communicate more effectively, relaxation methods (e.g. deep breathing exercises) and/or meditation.
• Application practice

  The offender applies their new skills in the role play of situations that have escalated anger and acts of violence in the past. Successful negotiation is met by positive reinforcement from the therapist. Later, offenders can try out their skills in real-world settings.
• Applying new anger management skills

  Enables the offender to manage their anger in present and future situations, and consequently facilitate rehabilitation and reduce the likelihood of reoffending