Anger Management

Novaco (1975) Theory

He suggests that cognitive factors trigger the emotional arousal that generally comes before an aggressive act + being angry is reinforced by the individual feeling in control in that situation

Anger management stages

1. Cognitive preparation

2. Skill acquisition

3. Application practice

Cog Prep

Reflection on past experiences to find triggers and patterns of angry behaviour.

Skill Acq

Introduced to a range of techniques, could be:

• Cognitive - positive self-talk

• Behavioural - assertive to communicate better

• Physiological - relaxation and mindfulness

App Prac

Carefully monitored roleplay to apply skills with positive reinforcement.

Supporting Evidence (Keen et al (2000))

• Studied progress made with youth offenders (17-21) who took part in anger management programs

• 8, 2hr sessions

• Some offenders not participating + some forgetting routines

• Outcomes generally positive

• Increased awareness of anger difficulties + increased capacity to exercise self control

AO3 - Research Support

P - Research support

E - Keen et al – youth offenders in anger management – outcomes generally positive

E - supports the idea that anger management reduces reoffending

L - increases reliability of strategy

AO3 - Eclectic approach

P - Eclectic approach

E - so many levels, cog prep, beh perspective, social approach etc

E - multidisciplinary, acknowledges complex nature of offending

L - aims to reduce all types of re-offending

AO3 - Expensive and requires commitment

P - Expensive and requires commitment

E - expensive to run due to trained specialists

E - prisons can’t fund, patients can’t afford, success based on commitment

L - can be ineffective and highly subjective