Dealing with Offending Behaviour: Anger Management Flashcards
(18 cards)
AO3 (1) dealing with offending behaviour
- One strength of anger management is that it an eclectic approach
- For example, anger management works on different levels. Cognitive preparation identifies signs to anger (stage 1). The behavioural perspective develops self-management techniques (stage 2)
- This is a strength because social approach is adopted when offenders are required to demonstrate what they have leaned during role play (stage 3)
- CA: Trained staff for CBT/ may not be accessible for all because of lack of resources. Time needed to complete the course
- C1: Offender completes the programme; they will have the tools to implement anger management once they are released. High ecological validity. Reduce re-offending rates?
AO3 (2) dealing with offending behaviour
- Another strength is that anger management tries to tackle causes
- For example, rather than focusing on superficial surface behaviour (such as behaviour modification), anger management addresses the though process underlying offending behaviour.
- This is a strength as anger management may give offenders new insights into the causes of their criminality enabling them to self-discover ways of managing themselves outside of prison
- CA: May not be effective due to biological factors such as the MAOA gene
- CA: Motivation/Attitude of offender will influence the success of the programme
- CA: May uncover trauma, which could cause behaviour to be worse – before embarking on CBT
- C1: Lower levels of recidivism, implications for the economy – external validity
AO3 (3) dealing with offending behaviour
- One limitation is evidence for long-term effectiveness
- Blackburn (1993) claimed that follow-up studies tended to show that anger management has definitive short-term effect, but there is little evidence it reduces recidivism in the long-term
- This is a weakness because the application phase of treatment still relies heavily on artificial role play which may not properly reflect all the possible real-life anger triggers
- CA: However, it can be argued that artificial role play allows offenders to learn how to control their anger in a safe, controlled environment which is monitored rathe than the real world with no safety net
- CA: Continue with Anger Management once released – to practice skills in the real world – long-term benefit
- C1: Limited effectiveness – lacks mundane realism as offenders have not had the opportunity to implement the programme in real life
AO3 (4) dealing with offending behaviour
- A further limitation is that anger may not be the cause of offending
- For example, Loza and Loza-Fanous (1999) found no differences in levels of anger between offenders classed as violent or non-violent
- This is a weakness because theories of anger often assume a straightforward casual relationship with anger and offending however this assumption may be false
- CA: However, some may argue that there may be societal benefits with offenders who take part in anger management – in prison – offenders who take part in CBT will impact the economic impact of running a prison e.g. less prison guards. Any programme which offers offenders an opportunity to reflect on their past experiences, and identify triggers for anger is beneficial – aim of custodial sentencing
- C1: Limited credibility due to other variables which cause offender…
AO3 (5) dealing with offending behaviour
- A final limitation is the expense and commitment required
- For example, anger management programmes are expensive to run as they require trained specialists used to dealing with violent offenders. Many prisons cannot fund these programmes
- This is a weakness because the success of anger management is based on the commitment of those who participate. This may be a problem if prisoners are uncooperative
- CA: Rehab – aims of custodial sentencing. Motivation of offender – put more energy/reflection into the programme, more likely to succeed in the programme. Individual differences.
Positive reinforcement for successfully completing the course – will increase motivation to cooperate and engagement in the programme. - C1: Limited effectiveness of anger management – limited generalisability
Who proposed that cognitive factors trigger anger and aggressive acts?
Raymond Novaco (1975).
What psychological approach is anger management based on?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
What does anger management aim to do?
Help offenders recognise triggers and respond with peaceful cognitive techniques instead of aggression.
What are the three stages of anger management?
Cognitive Preparation
Skill Acquisition
Application Practice
What happens during cognitive preparation?
The offender reflects on past anger experiences and triggers; the therapist helps identify irrational responses to break automatic anger reactions.
What is learned in the skill acquisition stage?
A range of skills to cope with anger triggers, including:
Cognitive skills: Positive self-talk to encourage calmness
Behavioural skills: Assertiveness training for effective communication
Physiological skills: Relaxation and meditation for emotional control
What is application practice in anger management?
Offenders role-play anger-triggering situations in a safe, controlled environment and receive positive reinforcement for appropriate responses.
What did Keen et al. (2000) study?
The effectiveness of a National Anger Management Programme for young offenders aged 17–21.
How was the programme structured?
Eight 2-hour sessions (seven over 3 weeks, one a month later).
What were the outcomes of the programme?
Offenders showed greater awareness of their anger issues and improved self-control.
What is meant by anger management being an “eclectic” approach?
It combines techniques from various psychological approaches (e.g., cognitive self-talk, social communication skills).
What is the aim of anger management overall?
To increase self-awareness of anger and self-efficacy in controlling it.
anger management definition
A therapeutic programme that involves identifying the signs that trigger anger as well as leaning 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
