NCJ Number
124356
Date Published
1989
Length
29 pages
Annotation
Descriptions of two cases involving the use of anger-management methods form the basis of an analysis of the potential problems involved in using these methods to prevent violence.
Abstract
These methods rest on the work of Novaco and on findings suggesting that anger is functionally important for many forms of violent behavior. Anger management requires an analysis of angry violence in terms of the environmental, cognitive, physiological, and behavioral components specified by Novaco. The case of Jim shows the potential benefits of anger-management training, while Brian's case shows the technique's limitations. Jim has often been admitted to penal and psychiatric institutions as a result of his involvement in fights. He completed assessments to identify triggering events, thoughts, arousal, and behavior and learned how his thoughts and self-statements helped produce and maintain his anger. He also received training in relaxation, social skills, and problemsolving. In contrast, Brian was unable to label his feelings as anger and therefore was unsuitable for training in anger management. Thus, anger-management training has potential but requires further research and cannot effectively prevent violence in all cases. 90 references.