To understand Anger Management Programmes as a method of treating offenders

To be able to evaluate Anger Management Programmes as a method of treating offenders

A Cognitive-Behavioural Technique (Novaco, 1975)

Novaco:

Anger

Physiological Behavioural Cognitive

Teaches relaxation techniques to deal with the _______________________ responses to anger

___________________ restructuring is used to retrain thought patterns

Time out or assertiveness training to deal with the __________________ elements of anger

Physiological

Cognitive

Behavioural

1. Cognitive Preparation Offenders identify situations that provoke anger

to they can recognise when an aggressive outburst might occur

Thought patterns are challenged, e.g., if someone becomes angry when laughed at, they will conclude (after training) that it is the behaviour being mocked, not them

Consider negative consequences of anger on others

2. Skill acquisition

New coping skills learned, e.g. “stop and think” and counting

Relaxation techniques learned

Assertiveness training can help deal with issue constructively, not violently

3. Application Practice

Role-play a variety of scenarios to practice new skills to control anger

Done in controlled environment

Used in prisons Used on ex-offenders who are serving a

probationary period

Conducted in small groups Lasts around 10 sessions

Does anger cause violence?

Could it be caused be intimidation or domestic control?

Loza and Loza-Fanous (1999)

252 Canadian offenders. Looked at offences, recidivism and anger scores. No significant link between anger and violent/non-violent offences

Some reported successes

Dowden, Blanchette and Serin (1999) Programme was successful in reducing recidivism

with high risk offenders

Ireland (2004) Offenders showed significant improvements in

anger-related behaviours following anger management programme, compared to control group

Barney was sent to prison for GBH. He had beaten up a stranger who was “looking at him funny”.

It has been suggested that Barney should take part in anger management sessions.

Come up with an outline of a programme for Barney, explaining your reasons for different sessions