Anger Management Flashcards
What is anger management?
A therapeutic programme that involves identifying signs that trigger anger as well as learning techniques to calm down and deal with a situation in a positive way. Not to prevent but to recognise and manage it.
What is cognitive basis of anger?
Novaco suggests that cognitive factors trigger the emotional arousal which generally precedes aggressive acts. Quickly to surface in situations perceived to be anxiety-inducing or threatening
What are the three stages of anger management?
- Cognitive preparation
- Skills Acquisition
- Application practice
What are the three stages of anger management? (detail)
- Requires an offender to reflect on past experiences and consider the typical pattern of their anger. Identify situations which act as a trigger and identify these as unrationed responses, which may be an automatic response for the offender
- Cognitive- positive self talk, encourage calmness
Behavioural- assertiveness training, how to communicate more effectively
Physiological- deal with physical reaction to anger, mediation - Role play and [practice skills, see scenarios as real
What is evidence of positive outcome of anger management?
Keen et al (2000), has studied progress made with young offender aged between 17 and 21 who took part in AM programme. Eight two hour sessions, first seven over three week period with last a month later. Positive effects with increased awareness and exercise self control despite initial issues of not taking seriously.
What is brief evaluation of anger management?
- Effects may outlast those of behaviour modification BUT conflicting studies
- Depends on individual factors
- Expensive option
What are the strengths of anger management?
Anger management tries to tackle cause of offending unlike behaviour modification. Focuses on the cognitive process, gives offenders insight into cause of their criminality and allow them to self-discover ways to manage themselves outside the prison setting. Leads to permanent behaviour change.
BUT, Blackburn points out whilst it may have a noticeable short term effect there is no evidence that it reduces recidivism. This may be because application phases focuses on role play and doesn’t apply to real world. Anger management may not reduce reoffending
What are the weaknesses of anger management?
Success may depend on individual factors. Howells et al conducted an investigation with Australian offenders. The researchers found that participation in anger management had little overall impact when compared to control group. Significant progress was only made with those who had intense levels of anger and those who had treatment readiness. This suggests that it may only benefit offender who fit a certain profile.
It is likely to be an expensive option as it requires the services of highly-trained specialised used to dealing with violent inmates. Prisons may not have the resources to fund such programmes and may be problem if prisoners are uncooperative as it takes time and adds to the cost. Won’t work in most prisons.
