NCJ Number
170861
Journal
Residential Treatment for Children and Youth Volume: 15 Issue: 4 Dated: (1998) Pages: 1-9
Date Published
1998
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article describes and assesses a cognitive-behavioral self-control training program ("Think First") for adolescents at a Midwestern residential treatment center.
Abstract
Although aggression in adolescents is maintained by many factors, some youth may lack the ability to resolve basic conflict and generally be unaware of nonviolent options for solving problems. In an effort to address this skill deficit, "Think First" uses a stress inoculation model of training. This model consists of three phases of training: conceptual preparation phase, in which the adolescents are instructed in an antecedent-behavior-consequence sequence of angry behavior and learn to apply the model to their own out-of-control anger; skills acquisition and rehearsal phase, in which techniques for anger modulation and control are trained; and the skills application phase, in which the adolescents use role play and self-monitoring procedures to rehearse and practice their anger- management skills. An evaluation of seven outcome measures showed changes in a positive direction on six of these measures. Anecdotal evaluation by staff and residents was positive. The authors conclude that cognitive-behavioral self-control training may be an important adjunct or an alternative to traditional contingency management approaches. 23 references