Dealing with offending behaviour: Anger management

Question 1

What is anger management?

Answer 1

• A therapeutic programme that involves identifiyng the signs that trigger anger as well as learning techniques to calm down

Question 2

How does anger management link to CBT?

Answer 2

• Cognitive factors trigger the emotional arousal which precedes aggressive acts
• Becoming angry is reinforced by the individuals feelings of control in that situation (behaviourist)

Question 3

Outline the three stages

Answer 3

MNEMONIC: CALM PEOPLE SHOULD AVOID ANGRY PEOPLE
1. Cognitive preparation > offender reflects on past experience and considers the typical pattern of their anger. Therapists role us to make clear whats irrational
2. Skill acquisition > introduced to a range of skills/techniques to help deal with provoking situations to be in control of actions
3. Application practice > skills practiced with roleplay. Commitment from offender needed as they must see it’s real. Therapist must ‘wind it up’ to see progress

Question 4

Strength: supporting evidence

Answer 4

• Julia Keen at al (2000) studied progress with young offenders aged 17-21
• Course had 8 2hr sessions, first 7 over a 3 week period and last a month later
• Final outcomes were generally positive, reported increased awareness and increased capacity to self control

Question 5

Strength: better than behaviour modification

Answer 5

• Anger management tries to tackle cognitive processes that trigger anger
• Behaviour modification only deals with surface level behaviour, not the processes that drive behaviour
• Anger management allows them to self-discover ways of managing themselves outside the prison setting
• More likely to lead to permanent behavioural change

Question 6

Weakness: individual differences

Answer 6

• Kevil Howells et al (2005) conducted an investigation with Australian offenders
• Found the programme had little overall impact compared to a control group with no treatment
• However, significant progress was made with offenders with intense levels of anger before the programme
• Suggests that it may only benefit offenders who fit a certain profile

Question 7

Weakness: expensive

Answer 7

• Requires the service of highly trained specialists who are used to dealing with violent offenders
• Many prisons may not have the resources to fund
• Often based on commitment of those who participate, may be a problem if prisoners are uncooperative and apathetic
• May not work in most prisons