Anger Management

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Programmes focus on understanding and controlling anger.

Novaco (1985) identified three stages :

Cognitive Preparation - offender learns to recognise anger and situations that cause anger

Skill Acquisition - techniques to control anger are taught e.g. relaxation and self-talk

Application Practice - new techniques are practice e.g. during role play.

Study : Ireland (2000)

Ireland studied group anger management over 12 hour-long sessions. Anger levels were assessed before and after the programme period. 92% showed improved anger levels on at least one measure. The researches concluded that the programme was effective.

Evaluation

Effective in the short term and make prisoners more manageable.

focus on changing understanding not just behaviour

anger may not be the cause of the offending (Loza et al. 1999)

Offenders must be motivated to change

Offenders must be motivated to change

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