Dealing with offending: Anger management

Question 1

Basic idea

Answer 1

programmes that are a form of CBT - the individual is taught how to recognise when they are losing control, and then encouraged to develop techniques which bring about conflict-resolution without the need for violence.

Question 2

1: Cognitive preparation

Answer 2

the offender reflects on past experience and considers the typical pattern of their anger. This involves things like learning to re-interpret cues that trigger their anger as unthreatening.

Question 3

2: Skill acquisition

Answer 3

In this stage, offenders learn to change irrational thinking that leads to anger through learning cognitive strategies like positive self talk and behavioural strategies like assertiveness training. They are also taught relaxation training which reduces the physiological arousal of anger.

Question 4

3. Application

Answer 4

this involves practicing the skills they have learnt within a carefully monitored environment by doing role play which involves the offender and therapist re-enacting situations that have made them angry in the past.

Question 5

4: Conclusion

Answer 5

The therapy can then give them positive reinforcement when they achieve their therapy goals

Question 6

Evaluation strength: Eclectic approach

Answer 6

as it works on a number of different levels as it changes irrational thinking and maladaptive behaviour that underlies anger and also includes a social element by having them role play. (holistic treatment)

Question 7

Evaluation strength: Addresses the underlying cause of anger

Answer 7

it looks at the thoughts and situations that trigger an individual’s anger. This makes it a more superior therapy than other techniques.

Question 8

Evaluation weakness: Blackburn (1993)

Answer 8

noted it had a good short-term effect but there is very little evidence that it reduces anger in the long term. perhaps the role play stage doesn’t provide an effective substitute.

Question 9

Evaluation weakness: Anger may not cause offending

Answer 9

Loza et al found no differences in levels of anger between offenders classed as violent and those classed as non-violent. (Other factors)

Question 10

Evaluation weakness: expensive & requires commitment

Answer 10

they require highly trained specialists and offenders need to practice the strategies they learn.