Anger management for adolescents: efficacy of brief group therapy

J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1999 Nov;38(11):1409-16. doi: 10.1097/00004583-199911000-00016.

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the efficacy of a brief, manual-based group therapy for adolescents with poor anger control. A previously developed anger management treatment package of 10 to 12 sessions was condensed to a 4-session package to be given within 2 weeks. Immediate effectiveness and the transfer of skills were investigated; anger management skills not only had to be acquired, they also had to be used in the adolescents' natural social interactions.

Method: Fifty adolescent psychiatric inpatients were selected for high levels of anger and randomly assigned to treatment or control conditions. Pre- and posttreatment measures were administered to subjects and adults who rated the subjects' behaviors.

Results: Pre/post self-report measures, as well as behavior ratings by adults, indicated that the patients who went through the anger management series exhibited significantly improved skills.

Conclusions: These results suggested that the intervention for adolescents was effective even though it was condensed, but it should not be further abbreviated.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological
  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior
  • Anger*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Psychotherapy, Group*
  • Social Behavior*
  • Treatment Outcome