Anger management

• Cognitive behaviour therapy


  Novaco suggests cognitive factors trigger emotional arousal which generally precedes agressive acts

  Behaviourist terms - becoming angry is reinfocred by individuals feelings of control in that situation

  anger management is form of CBT - individual taught how to recognise cognitive factors that trigger their anger and loss of control then encouraged to develop techniques which bring about conflict resolution without need for voilence.
• stage 1 


  Cognitive preparation- requires offender to reflect on past experinces and consider typical pattern of anger

  Identify situational triggers and if their ideas a irrational therapist will challenge them and redefine situation as non threatening
• stage 2


  skills acquisition - offenders introduced to range of techniques and skills to help them deal with anger provoking situations more rationally and effectively eg

  • Cognitive - positive self talk to encourage calmness
  • Behavioural - assertiveness training in how to communicate more effectively which will become an automatic response if practiced regularly
  • physiological - deal with physical reaction to anger eg relaxation training or meditation
• stage 3


  application practice - offenders given opportunity to practice their skills within carefully controlled environment. If they are succesful given positive reinforcement from therapist