What is anger management?
A CBT-based intervention that teaches offenders to recognise and control thoughts, arousal and behaviours linked to anger and aggression.
What is cognitive preparation?
Identifying triggers, irrational or hostile thoughts, bodily warning signs and the consequences of angry behaviour.
What is skill acquisition?
Learning practical techniques such as relaxation, cognitive restructuring, positive self-talk, problem-solving and communication skills.
What is application practice?
Rehearsing new skills in role-play or realistic situations and receiving feedback.
What is cognitive restructuring?
Replacing irrational or hostile interpretations with more balanced and realistic thoughts.
Why is physiological arousal important in anger management?
Recognising rising arousal gives the offender an early warning and creates a chance to use control strategies before aggression occurs.
What was the aim of Ireland (2004)?
To evaluate whether brief group anger management reduced anger and angry behaviour in young male offenders.
What did Ireland (2004) find?
Treated offenders improved significantly on anger measures, while the waiting-list control group did not show the same change.
What is treatment readiness?
The offender's motivation, willingness and psychological preparedness to engage with treatment.
Give one major limitation of anger management.
Anger is not a cause of all offending, so the treatment may be ineffective when an offence is planned or driven by other factors.