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An Open Trial of a Comprehensive Anger Treatment Program on an Outpatient Sample

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 April 2010

J. Ryan Fuller ,
Raymond DiGiuseppe ,
Siobhan O'Leary ,
Tina Fountain  and
Colleen Lang
J. Ryan Fuller*
Affiliation:
New York Behavioral Health and Albert Ellis Institute, USA
Raymond DiGiuseppe
Affiliation:
Albert Ellis Institute and St John's University, New York, USA
Siobhan O'Leary
Affiliation:
Albert Ellis Institute, New York, USA
Tina Fountain
Affiliation:
Albert Ellis Institute, New York, USA
Colleen Lang
Affiliation:
New York Behavioral Health, USA
*
Reprint requests to J. Ryan Fuller, New York Behavioral Health, 909 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10022, USA. E-mail: fuller@NYBhealth.com
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Abstract

Background: This pilot study was designed to investigate the efficacy of a cognitive behavioral treatment for anger. Method: Twelve (5 men and 7 women) outpatient adults completed 2-hour group sessions for 16 sessions. Participants were diagnosed with 29 Axis I and 34 Axis II disorders with high rates of comorbidity. Empirically supported techniques of skills training, cognitive restructuring, and relaxation were utilized. In this protocol, cognitive restructuring emphasized the use of the ABC model to understand anger episodes and the Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) techniques of disputing irrational beliefs and rehearsing rational coping statements, but additional cognitive techniques were used, e.g. self-instructional training (SIT). Skills training included problem-solving and assertiveness. Relaxation training was paced respiration. Motivational interviewing, imaginal exposure with coping, and relapse prevention were also included. Results: Significant improvements were found from pre- to post-treatment on the following measures: the Trait Anger Scale of the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-II; and Anger Disorder Scale total scores; idiosyncratic anger measurements of situational intensity and symptom severity; and the Beck Depression Inventory-II; Conclusions: In order to extend the significant research findings of this pilot study, future investigations should involve larger sample sizes, populations drawn from various settings, and contact control groups.

Keywords

Anger managementcognitive behavioral therapyrational emotive behavior therapybehavioral therapybehavioral health
Type
Brief Clinical Reports
Information
Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy , Volume 38 , Issue 4 , July 2010 , pp. 485 - 490
Copyright
Copyright © British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapies 2010

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