Anger Management

Question 1

Novato 1975

Answer 1

theory behind anger management
cognitive factors > emotional arousal > aggressive acts

Question 2

aims of anger management

Answer 2

• recognise anger triggers
• develop techniques to bring about conflict resolution without the need for violence

Question 3

how is anger management conducted?

Answer 3

• as part of custodial sentencing and outside prison
• in small groups lasting around 10 sessions
• based on stress inoculation approach - gives ‘vaccine’ against future ‘infections’

Question 4

stages of anger management

Answer 4

1. cognitive preparation
2. skill acquisition
3. application practice

Question 5

cognitive preparation

Answer 5

• offender learns triggers e.g. insults
• therapist challenges irrational interpretation of events

Question 6

skill acquisition

Answer 6

• learn techniques to deal with anger provoking situations rationally and effectively
• E.g. positive self-talk, assertiveness training, biofeedback

Question 7

application practice

Answer 7

• offender applies new skills in role-play situations
• successful negotiation met by +ve reinforcement from therapist - gives instructions in ear
• try skills in real life

Question 8

counter peel

Answer 8

Research Support for success
- Taylor&Novaco : 75% improvement rates based on six meta analysis
- shows effective in reducing recidivism
Not all studies show significant improvement
- law: reported a study where only 1 person improved
- doesn’t work for all, inconsistent findings hard to conclude the effectiveness

Question 9

limitations

Answer 9

High drop-out rates
- difficult to make effort changing attitude, drama-based courses more effective
- should be targeted to offender likely to complete course than waste time
Relationship between anger and aggression
- Loza and Loza fanous: 300 males- no difference in anger between non/violent crimes
- AM irrelevant if aggression not caused by anger, but if so offenders don’t take responsibility and address cause