Anger management EVALUATION

Question 1

it targets the cause of offending

Answer 1

• Unlike behaviour modification, anger management is more likely to lead to a permanent change in behaviour because it targets thought processes that underlie offending behaviour
• This may make reoffending less likely

Question 2

it combines various approaches

Answer 2

• It applies a cognitive approach in cognitive preparation, a behavioural approach in skill acquisition, and a social approach in application practice
• It recognises that offending is a complex interaction between social and psychological factors

Question 3

it may not be effective in the long term

Answer 3

• Ronald and Blackburn (1993) concluded that although anger management is effective in the short-term, there is little evidence to support that it reduced recidivism
• This may be reflective of how role play does not prepare the offender for real-life situations

Question 4

anger may not be the cause

Answer 4

• Anger management assumes that anger is the cause of offending - However, not all offending behaviour stems from anger
• For example, crimes committed for financial gain would not benefit from anger management

Question 5

expensive, time-consuming

Answer 5

Anger management is expensive as they require highly skilled therapists, time-consuming, and relies on the offender’s desire to change