Forensics - Anger Management Flashcards
What is anger management?
Anger management is a therapeutic programme that involves identifying the signs that trigger anger as well as learning techniques to calm down and deal with the situation in a positive way. The aim of anger management is not to prevent anger but to recognise it and manage it. Anger management can be offered in prison to encourage self-awareness and facilitate rehabilitation.
What are the three stages of anger management?
Cognitive Preparation: Offenders reflect on past experiences and identify patterns of anger, recognising triggers and understanding the negative impact of their anger.
Skill Acquisition: Offenders are introduced to techniques such as relaxation or cognitive strategies to deal with anger-inducing situations effectively.
Application Practice: Offenders apply the techniques in controlled environments, such as role-play, to rehearse responses and develop confidence in managing anger.
What is an example of anger management in practice?
Keen et al. (2000) studied young offenders aged between 17 and 21 who participated in an anger management programme. The programme involved eight two-hour sessions, with an initial focus on recognising anger triggers and practicing skills in role-play scenarios. Results showed offenders increased awareness of their anger and improved capacity to exercise self-control.
What are some strengths of anger management as an eclectic approach?
Anger management works on multiple levels by targeting both cognitive and behavioural processes. It combines cognitive preparation to identify triggers, behavioural practice in skills acquisition, and application to real-world scenarios. This multidisciplinary approach ensures offenders are equipped with self-awareness and techniques to manage their behaviour. By addressing the cognitive and social aspects of offending behaviour, anger management offers a holistic intervention, providing offenders with tools that align with the aims of rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.
How does anger management compare to behaviour modification?
Unlike behaviour modification, which focuses on superficial changes through reinforcement, anger management targets the root causes of offending. By developing self-awareness, offenders gain insight into the triggers of their criminal behaviour, promoting self-control and reducing impulsivity. This contrasts with the temporary effects of token economies, which often fail to generalise outside of the prison environment. As a result, anger management is considered more effective in promoting long-term behavioural change.
What are the limitations of anger management in terms of long-term effectiveness?
Research, including Blackburn (1993), suggests that while anger management may improve behaviour in the short term, its effects are often not sustained in the long term. This may be because skills learned in artificial settings like role-play are not easily transferred to real-life, high-pressure situations. Additionally, anger may not be a causal factor for all offending, limiting the programme’s relevance for certain individuals. These limitations suggest that while anger management has potential, it is not a universal solution for reducing recidivism.
What are some ethical and practical issues associated with anger management?
Anger management programmes require commitment and trained specialists, making them expensive and resource-intensive. Furthermore, anger may not always be the primary cause of offending, as suggested by theories like Loza and Loza-Fanous (1999), who argue that some violent crimes are premeditated and not anger-driven. Despite these challenges, the benefits of anger management for self-awareness and emotional regulation make it an important rehabilitative tool for offenders when implemented effectively.
