NCJ Number
207626
Journal
Journal of Offender Rehabilitation Volume: 39 Issue: 2 Dated: 2004 Pages: 39-57
Editor(s)
Nathaniel J. Pallone Ph.D.
Date Published
2004
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study evaluated a technique for extending anger therapy beyond methods for responding to provocation into methods for developing psychological tools that prevent intense, dangerous anger from arising in the first place.
Abstract
The article begins with a brief examination of the Buddhist psychological model of anger and change, an examination of the practice of Buddhist meditation, and a look at integrating meditation practice into cognitive-behavioral treatment for anger. The current study hypothesized that anger management intervention would lead to: 1) decreased state and trait anger, 2) increased empathy and perspective-taking, and 3) decreased egotism in intervention participants relative to the control group participants. Study participants were 31 adult males, age 21 to 50, from a low security prison in a Midwestern State. The participants were divided into 2 groups: the treatment group (n=16) and the control group (n=15). The intervention consisted of 12 weekly group meetings where the participants met for 1.5 hours per week. Participants were administered survey instruments pre-test and post-test and analyses were conducted on the change in these scores. The analyses found that the treatment was effective for reducing state anger and the reactivity facet of trait anger. These findings tentatively suggest a mediating relationship between egotism and anger that is consistent with prior theoretical investigations of egotism and aggression. The analyses also found little change on empathic concern and perspective taking. Further research on empathic concern and improved perspective taking as mediators of anger reduction are warranted. References, 1 table, and 1 figure