anger management

anger management

cognitive behavioural therapy to help offenders control aggressive behaviour

• CBT - helps offenders control aggressive behaviour.

• allows triggers to be identified

• way individual interprets a situation leads to quick anger development

cognitive perpetration

• offender is encourage to reflect on past experiences and identify typical patterns in aggressive behaviour

• learn to recognise trigger - then is challenged by therapist

• (increases offenders awareness of their anger)

skill acquisition

• taught a range of practical techniques to help them deal with anger provoking situations more rationally

• positive self talk assertiveness training meditation

• increases individuals control over a situation

application of practice

• apply and practice the skills they have learned un a carefully controlled and supervised environment (role play scenarios)

• therapist may provoke ppt to test their ability to stay calm

• receive positive reinforcement if are able to manage anger - builds confidence in using skills in real life settings

strength - underlying cognitive processes

• tackles cognitive and emotional roots of aggression

• thought patterns like misinterpretation of intentions/hostile attribution lead to outbursts

• AM allows triggers to be identified and challenged and replaced with rational thoughts

• promotes deeper psychological change - greater rehabilitative value compared to token economies

limitation - practical and methodological limitations

• requires trained and skilled therapists(expensive and less feasible in overcrowded prisons)

• role play scenarios are artificial and dont reflect the emotional intensity of real life scenario (lacks ecological validity)

• only applies to cases which stem from anger - not all cases.

• depends on motivation and engagement

• practical limitations limit its real world effectiveness

strength - promotes transferable skills

• teaches offenders transferable skill which extend beyond prison

• self reflection, stress management and emotional regulation manage not just aggressive behaviour but also interpersonal conflict

• enhance reintegration into society by improving employability, relationships and self confidence