Anger Management

Anger management

A cognitive-behavioural programme designed to help offenders control anger and reduce aggressive behaviour.

Novaco model

Theoretical basis of anger management including cognitive, behavioural and physiological elements.

Anger as a response

Novaco argued anger is triggered by irrational thoughts and poor coping skills.

Cognitive preparation

First stage where offender learns to identify anger triggers and challenge irrational meanings.

Trigger recognition

Offender analyses situations that provoke anger (e.g. feeling disrespected).

Cognitive distortions in anger

Offenders often display hostile attribution bias and catastrophising.

Skills acquisition

Second stage where offenders learn new techniques to deal with anger.

Cognitive skills

Positive self-talk to challenge negative thoughts.

Behavioural skills

Relaxation, breathing techniques and assertiveness training.

Physiological skills

Controlling physical symptoms like increased heart rate.

Application practice

Final stage involving role play in controlled, realistic scenarios.

Role play purpose

Allows offenders to practise new skills safely and receive feedback.

Institutional programmes

Delivered in group sessions in prisons or probation settings.

Strength: tackles root cause

Targets underlying cognitive processes, not just behaviour.

Strength: long-term potential

Improves self-regulation and reduces future aggression.

Strength: real-world application

Used widely in prisons and community programmes.

Ireland study

Found reductions in aggression among prisoners after anger management training.

Strength: insight gained

Offenders develop self-awareness and emotional understanding.

Limitation: not all crimes anger-driven

Many offences (fraud, premeditated crime) are unrelated to anger.

Limitation: artificial role play

Offenders may behave differently in real life than in controlled settings.

Limitation: requires motivation

Success depends on offender engaging fully and completing homework.

Limitation: short-term improvement

Some evidence suggests effects may not last after release.

Limitation: expensive

Requires highly trained therapists and multiple sessions.

Comparison with token economy

Anger management changes cognition, token economy only changes behaviour.

Reoffending impact

Findings mixed; anger management reduces aggression but not always recidivism.

Cognitive–behavioural focus

Combines cognitive restructuring with behavioural rehearsal.

Physiological arousal focus

Teaches offenders to recognise and calm bodily responses associated with anger.