Anger Management

Question 1

Cognitive factors trigger aggression

Answer 1

• in a few people, anger surfaces quickly due to a perceived threat. They respond more angrily which is then reinforced by them feeling more in control in a situation.

Question 2

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT//)

Answer 2

• anger management is a form of CBT programme offered in prison.
• individuals are taught to recogniser their triggers and develop techniques to resolve the conflict without resorting to violence. They get a diary and are set homework.

Question 3

What are the 3 stages of anger management?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Stage 1- cognitive preparation

Answer 4

Offenders reflect on past experience, identify triggers to anger and the ways that their behaviour is irrational.

E.g someone looking at them causes paranoia in the offender. The therapist works with the offender to redefine the situation as non-threatening.

Question 5

Stage 2- skills aquisition

Answer 5

Offenders are introduced to a range of techniques and skills to help them deal with anger-provoking situations.

E.g cognitive- self-talk to promote calm feelings.
Physiological- meditation

Question 6

Stage 3- application practice

Answer 6

Offender applies skills initially in controlled and non-threatening situations (role plays) that previously made them angry.

• they receive extensive feedback from the therapist and other group members. Positive reinforcement is essential if offender deals with situation successfully.
• later clients try out their new skills in the real world.

Question 7

AO3 strengths

Answer 7

• unlike behaviour modification, anger management tackles the causes of offending behaviour. This may give offenders new insight into the cause of their criminality, allowing self-discovery of ways of managing themself outside of prison. (Rehabilitation focused)

Question 8

AO3 weaknesses

Answer 8

• limited application as it is only applicable in treating criminal behaviour if anger was the cause of offending behaviour.
• CBT requires a highly trained therapist which is expensive, also raises the issue of drop out rates of a therapist as they are working with criminals which could lead to distress. If the criminals already formed trust with the therapist, it could reduce overall effectiveness.
• CBT requires dedication and a willingness to try from prisoners involved in the anger management scheme meaning it has a high dropout rate and reducing its overall effectiveness. In many cases