anger management

• anger management

  form of cognitive behavioural therapy where the individual is taught how to recognise the cognitive factors that trigger their anger and loss of control
• aim of anger management

  not to prevent anger but to recognise it and manage it
• what are the three stages in anger management

  cognitive preparation

  skills acquisition

  application practice
• cognitive preparation

  requires the offender to reflect on past experiences and identify those situations that act as a trigger to anger
• skills acquisition

  introduced to techniques that help them deal with anger

  cognitive, psychological and behavioural
• cognitive techniques

  positive self talk to encourage calmness
• behavioural techniques

  assertiveness training in how to communicate more effectively
• psychological techniques

  relaxation training and meditation to control their emotions
• application practice

  offenders practice what they have learnt in a controlled environment such as role play and their positive behaviours are positively reinforced by the therapist
• positive outcomes with young offenders

  Keen et al - studied the progress of young offenders aged 17-21 who took part in a anger management programme
• findings of Keen's research

  outcomes were generally positive and offenders reported increased awareness of their anger and increased levels of self control
• strength of anger management

  the benefits of anger management outlast the benefits of behaviour modification

  this is because it is more focused on the cognitive aspect which creates longer lasting changes in behaviour
• limitation of anger management

  a limitation of anger management is that is is likely to be an expensive option because it requires highly trained specialists

  it also can take a while to implement and change behaviour which increases the costs