dealing with offending behaviour : anger mangement Flashcards
what is anger mangement
a therapeutic programme offered in prisons to identify triggers and allow offenders to deal with the situation in a positive and calm
manner. - NOVACO
how do cognitive factors trigger emotional arousal
precedes aggressive acts. Becoming angry is reinforced by an individual’s feeling of control within that situation.
what is anger mangement a form of?
form of CBT – offenders recognise triggers and implement cognitive techniques that deal peacefully with the situation whilst avoiding anger.
what are 3 stages
cognitive preparation, skill accquisiton and applictaion practice
what is cognitive preparation
offender reflects on their past
experience of anger and triggers. The therapist will aim to identify if the response is irrational and aim to break an irrational automatic response in future.
what is skill accquisiton
Offenders are introduced to a range of techniques and skills to help them deal with the triggers more effectively.
what are the skills apart of skill accquisiton
Cognitive skills: positive self-talk
Behavioural: assertiveness training to help them communicate more
effectively
Physiological: methods of relaxation and meditation
what is applicaiton practice
Offenders are given the opportunity to practice their skills within a monitored environment using role-play. The successful response would be met with
positive reinforcement from the
therapist.
what did keen (2000) say
The National Anger Management Package was trialled in
England and Wales with offenders aged 17-21. There were initial issues of offenders not taking the
course seriously and forgetting their diaries. However, by the end the programme was considered to be a success. Offenders reported high levels of self-control and
increased awareness after the course.
strengths of angermangement
-Eclectic approach ( cognitive,
behavioural and social).
Multi-disciplinary approach
acknowledges that offending is a
complex social and psychological
activity.
-Tries to tackle causes and addresses
thought processes / underlying
behaviour (unlike behaviour
modification). More likely to lead to a permanent behaviour change and lower rates of recidivism.
weaknesses
-Definite short-term effect but little
evidence that anger management
reduces recidivism in the long- term. (Blackburn 1993) Artificial role play not reflect possible, real- life anger triggers.
-Anger may not be the cause of
offending. Loza and Loza-Fanous
(1999) found no differences in levels of anger between offenders classed as violent or non-violent.
-Programmes are expensive to run as they require trained specialists used to dealing with violent offenders. Success depends on commitment of prisoners,
who may be uncooperative.
