FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY - dealing with offending behaviour: Anger Management

Question 1

what is anger management?

Answer 1

A therapeutic programme is offered in prisons to identify triggers and allow offenders to deal with the situation positively and calmly.

Question 2

what is CBT?

Answer 2

CBT - cognitive behaviour therapy
- anger management programmes are a form of CBT = where an individual is taught to recognise cognitive factors that trigger their anger.
- Encouraged to develop techniques to bring about conflict resolution

Question 3

what are the 3 stages of CBT?

Answer 3

Stage 1 - cognitive preparation
Stage 2 - skills acquisition
Stage 3 - application practice

Question 4

what is cognitive preparation?

Answer 4

Offender reflects on past experience of anger and triggers. The therapist will aim to identify if the response is irrational and aim to break an emotional response in the future.

Question 5

what is skills acquisition?

Answer 5

Offenders are introduced to a range of techniques and skills to help them deal with the triggers more effectively.

Cognitive - positive self-talk
Behavioural - communication more effectively
Physiological - methods of relaxation/meditation

Question 6

what is application practice?

Answer 6

Offenders are allowed to practice their skills within a monitored environment, using role-play.
- A successful response would be met with positive reinforcement from the therapist.

Question 7

Explain Keen et al (2000).

Answer 7

• The progress of young offenders who took part in an Anger management programme
• the programme was seen to be a success
• offenders reported high levels of self-control and increased awareness after the course.

Question 8

Give strengths of anger management.

Answer 8

+ Anger management tackles the cause of offending
Provides offenders with insight into their anger and helps them develop self-control in real-life situations.

Question 9

Give limitations of anger management.

Answer 9

• Blackburn (1993) = whilst anger management may improve behaviour in the short term, there is little evidence that it reduces recidivism. = Role play in therapy may not prepare offenders for real-world triggers.
• success may depend on individual factors =
  Howells et al (2005) = programme had little impact compared to a control group that received no treatment.
  HOWEVER = beneficial for offenders with high levels of anger and those who are open to change = only works for specific people
• expensive = costly, requires trained specialists, prisons lack resources
• success depends on the offender’s commitment
  -many prisoners are uncooperative