anger management

• cognitive factors trigger arousal

  - Novaco (1975) suggests that cognitive factors trigger the emotional arousal that comes before aggressive acts

  - in some people, anger is quick to surface in situations they perceive to be threatening or anxiety-inducing

  - becoming angry is then reinforced by the individual's feeling of control in that situation
• CBT


  anger management programmes are a form of cognitive behaviour therapy

  an individual is taught to:

  • recognise the cognitive factors that trigger their anger and loss of control

  • develop behavioural techniques that bring about conflict resolution without the need for violence
• stage 1: cognitive preparation


  - this stage requires the offender to reflect on past experience - they learn to identify triggers to anger and the ways their interpretation of event may be irrational
• stage 2: skills acquisition


  - offenders are introduced to a range of techniques and skills to help them deal with anger-provoking situations

  techniques may be:

  • cognitive - positive self-talk to promote calmness

  • behavioural - assertiveness training to communicate more effectively (becomes automatic if practised)

  • physiological - methods of relaxation and/or meditation
• stage 3: application practice


  - offenders are given the opportunity to practise their skills in a carefully monitored environment

  - if the offender deals successfully with the role play this is given positive reinforcement by the therapist
• positive outcomes with young offenders

  Keen et al. (2000) studied the progress of young offenders between 17 and 21 who took part in an anger management programme - eight two-hour sessions

  - initially there were difficulties with the offenders forgetting their diaries and not taking it seriously

  - by the end offenders generally reported increased awareness of their anger and capacity for self-control.
• strength


  P - benefits outlast behaviour modification

  E - unlike behaviour modification, anger management tackles the causes of offending i.e. the cognitive processes that trigger anger and offending behaviour

  E - this may give offenders new insight into the cause of their criminality, allowing them to self-discover ways of managing themselves outside of prison

  L - suggests that anger management is more likely than behaviour modification to lead to permanent behavioural change

  COUNTERPOINT

  - however, whilst anger management may have an effect on offenders in the short term, it may not help cope with triggers in real-world situations (Blackburn 1993)

  - suggests that anger management may not reduce reoffending
• limitation


  P - success depends on individual factors

  E - Howells et al. (2005) found that participation in an anger management programme had little overall impact when compared to a control group who received no treatment

  E - however, progress was made with offenders who showed intense levels of anger before the programme and offenders who were motivated to change

  L - suggests that anger management may only benefit offenders who fit a certain profile
• limitation


  P - expensive

  E - anger management programmes require highly-trained specialists who are used to dealing with violent offenders. Many prisons may not have the resources

  E - in addition, change takes time and commitment and this is ultimately likely to add to the expense of delivering effective programmes

  L - suggests that effective anger management programmes are probably not going to work in most prisons