Forensics - Anger Management

Question 1

Anger Management AO1 - Cognitive factors trigger aggression

Answer 1

Cognitive factors trigger emotional arousal which generally precedes aggressive acts. Becoming angry is reinforced by an individual’s feeling of control within the situation.
Anger management is a form of CBT- offenders recognise triggers and implement cognitive techniques to deal peacefully with the situation whilst avoiding anger

Question 2

AO1 - The 3 stages of anger management : Cognitive Preparation

Answer 2

The 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 the future.

Question 3

AO1 - the 3 stages of anger management: Skills acquisition

Answer 3

Offenders are introduced to a range of techniques and skills to help them deal with the triggers more effectively
▪️Cognitive Skills: positive self talk
▪️Behavioural: assertiveness training to help them communicate more effectively
▪️Physiological: methods of relaxation and/or meditation

Question 4

AO1 - The 3 stages of anger management: Application Practice

Answer 4

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

Question 5

AO3- Loza-fanous AGAINST anger management

Answer 5

Loza-fanous (1999) devised a psychometric test and discovered there was little difference between the non-violent and violent offenders. Anger management courses may also give offenders an excuse/justification for their behaviour. Many crimes are also not motivated by anger such as fraud.
Therefore, anger management is a limited technique to deal with offending behaviour

Question 6

AO3- AGAINST Blackburn (1993)

Answer 6

There is little evidence that anger management reduces recidivism in the long term. This is mainly because the application stage is based on role play which doesn’t cover all possible situations in which a trigger can arise in real life. They are very different to a busy pub on a Saturday night

Question 7

AO3 - SUPPORT

Answer 7

Anger management involves cognitive, behavioural and social techniques, recognising the complexity of anger as an emotional response. This therefore strengthens the technique as a way of dealing with offending behaviour