Anger management

Question 1

Explain anger management programmes

Answer 1

Anger management programmes are cognitive-behavioural in nature and designed to help people learn how to control their anger.
In the context of prisons, the assumption is that many crimes occur as a result of anger and therefore, anger management should help prisoners prevent themselves from carrying out crimes in the future.

Question 2

What does Novaco suggest?

Answer 2

Novaco (1975) suggests that cognitive factors trigger the emotional arousal that comes before aggressive acts
Novaco’s argument is that, 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 individuals feeling of control in that situation.

Question 3

What are anger management programmes?

Answer 3

A form of CBT

Question 4

What happens in the anger management CBT?

Answer 4

CBT- individual is taught to recognise when they are losing control and develop techniques to bring conflict resolution without violence.

Question 5

What are the 3 stages of CBT?

Answer 5

1. Cognitive preparation
2. Skills acquisition
3. Application practice

Question 6

Cognitive Preparation

Answer 6

identify situations that trigger anger. The therapist challenges irrational events/thinking that causes anger.

Question 7

Skill Acquisition

Answer 7

introduced to a range of techniques to have rational and effective reactions to anger-inducing situations, i.e. positive self talk, meditation, communication skills.

Question 8

Application practise

Answer 8

practise new skills in a controlled environment with the therapist using role play. Successful reactions from the offender (no anger) in the role play leads to reinforcement from the therapist.

Question 9

Example of anger management

Answer 9

Keen et al

Question 10

What did Keen et al do?

Answer 10

Keen et al (2000) studied the progress of young offenders between 17 and 21 who took part in an anger management programme ( 8 2 hour sessions)

Question 11

What did Keen et al find?

Answer 11

Initially there were difficulties with the offenders forgetting their diaries and not taking it seriously
By the end the offenders reported increased awareness of their anger and the capacity for self control.
= positive outcome