NCJ Number
222450
Journal
Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health Volume: 18 Issue: 2 Dated: 2008 Pages: 129-137
Date Published
2008
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This evaluation examined whether a drama-based approach could be an effective addition to traditional anger-management programs for violent offenders.
Abstract
A comparison of preprogram and postprogram measures of anger levels found significant reductions in anger after exposure to the drama-based program. The drama-based program entitled "Insult to Injury" was designed to explore the processes of anger, aggression, and violence. The program's aim was to enable offenders to identify and develop strategies and skills for dealing with potentially volatile situations, as well as to provide a safe and supportive environment in which to practice and assess these strategies. Drama-therapy techniques were used in combination with some of the key principles of cognitive-behavioral anger management training. The program lasted 9 days and consisted of three 3-day blocks delivered in consecutive weeks, with two sessions each day. The course was facilitated by two members of the Geese Theater Company. Participants moved from a focus on the fictional characters and situations dramatized to working with their own behavior. Throughout the course, participants were asked to consider potential future high-risk situations for anger and aggression and to identify ways of dealing with these situations differently than in the past, followed by a practicing of the required skills. The evaluation involved 62 adult male offenders from 6 prisons in the United Kingdom. 1 table and 26 references