Forensics- Dealing W/ Offending Behaviour: Anger Management

Question 1

Anger management -

Answer 1

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.

Question 2

Anger Management

What is cognitive behaviour treatment for anger management?

Answer 2

•Raymond Novaco (1975) suggested that cognitive factors trigger the emotional arousal that leads to aggression.
•Anger management is a form of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), where individuals are taught to recognize when they are losing control and to use techniques for conflict-resolution without resorting to violence.

Question 3

What are the three stages of anger management?

Answer 3

1.Cognitive Preparation:
•Offenders reflect on past experiences to recognize the triggers of their anger.
•If their interpretation of an event is irrational, the therapist helps them redefine the situation as non-threatening (e.g., interpreting a stare as a confrontation).

2.Skill Acquisition:
•Offenders are taught techniques to handle anger-provoking situations more effectively.
•Techniques include:
•Cognitive: Positive self-talk for calmness.
•Behavioural: Assertiveness training.
•Physiological: Relaxation or meditation to help control emotions.

3.Application Practice:
•Offenders practice their skills in a monitored environment.
•Role-play scenarios allow offenders and therapists to re-enact situations that previously escalated anger. Successful role-play is met with positive reinforcement.

Question 4

Can you give an example of an anger management programme?

Answer 4

•Julia Keen et al. (2000) studied young offenders (17–21 years) in a nationally recognized anger management programme.
•The National Anger Management Package, developed by the England and Wales Prison Service, involves eight two-hour sessions.
•The course covers all the phases mentioned above and has generally shown positive results, such as an increased ability to manage anger.

Question 5

What are the strengths of anger management programmes?

Answer 5

1. Eclectic Approach:
   • Anger management integrates cognitive, behavioural, and social approaches.
   • This multidisciplinary approach acknowledges that offending is influenced by both psychological and social factors, making treatment more holistic.
2. Comparison with Behaviour Modification:
   • Unlike behaviour modification, anger management addresses the underlying causes of offending (e.g., cognitive factors) rather than just the surface behaviour.
   • This makes it more likely to lead to permanent behavioural change and potentially lower recidivism rates.

Question 6

What are the criticisms of anger management?

Answer 6

1.Limited Long-Term Effectiveness:
• Ronald Blackburn (1993) notes that while anger management can improve behaviour in the short term, it doesn’t always reduce recidivism.
• The reliance on role-play during treatment may not reflect real-life scenarios, and progress can be easily undone in real situations (e.g., a busy pub).

2.Anger May Not Be the Cause of Offending:
• Some studies, like those by Wagdy Loza and Amel Loza-Fanous (1999), found no difference in anger levels between violent and non-violent offenders.
• Anger management may be misguided, as it assumes anger causes crime, when other factors (e.g., financial crime) may be more significant.

3.Expensive and Requires Commitment:
• Anger management programmes can be expensive to run, requiring specialist professionals.
• Not all prisons have the resources, and access can vary.

Additionally, the programme’s success depends on the commitment of offenders, who may be uncooperative or apathetic.