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Mindfulness and the treatment of anger Problems

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Abstract

Clinical interventions based on training in mindfulness skills are an increasingly common part of psychological practice. Mindfulness training can lead to reductions in a variety of problematic conditions including pain, stress, anxiety, depressive relapse, psychosis, and disordered eating but to date there have been few attempts to investigate the effectiveness of this approach with problematic anger. In this paper, the literature in relation to the theory and treatment of problematic anger is reviewed, with the aim of determining whether a rationale exists for the use of mindfulness with angry individuals. It is concluded that anger as an emotion seems particularly appropriate for the application of mindfulness-based interventions, and the potential mechanisms for its proposed effects in alleviating the cognitive, affective and behavioral manifestations of anger are discussed.

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... Likewise, research focused on trait mindfulness and aggression demonstrates a consistent negative association between dispositional mindfulness and trait aggression, as measured by physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility Brown & Ryan, 2003;Fresnics & Borders, 2016;Heppner et al., 2008;Wright et al., 2009). For example, a longitudinal study showed that trait mindfulness was related to more constructive responses during a relationship conflict (Study 1, Barnes et al., 2007). ...
... In terms of different types of trait aggression, it appears that hostility is the subset of trait aggression that is most often related to mindfulness facets as well as emotion regulation, similar to what previous studies have reported (e.g., Brown & Ryan, 2003;Wright et al., 2009). That is, people who scored higher on trait mindfulness reported lower levels of hostility, and these relations were often correlated with less use of rumination and expressive suppression. ...
... In addition, we also found that not all facets of mindfulness are related to lower aggression, and that hostility is more closely associated with mindfulness than other forms of aggression. Reactive versus a proactive form of aggression are both related to a lower level of two facets of mindfulness (e.g., nonjudging and nonreactivity), which further support the previous finding that mindfulness is related to a lower level of aggression in general Brown & Ryan, 2003;Fresnics & Borders, 2016;Heppner et al., 2008;Wright et al., 2009Wright et al., et al., 2008Wright et al., 2009). In sum, these findings point to the possibility that inducing mindfulness may be helpful in externalizing problems (e.g., aggression) via the utilization of certain emotional regulation strategies. ...
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Inducing mindfulness has shown a promising effect on reducing aggression in both clinical and nonclinical populations, possibly because mindfulness can improve emotion regulation. The present study examined the association between mindfulness and aggression through potential mediating effects of several emotion regulation strategies. University and community samples of U.S. adults completed questionnaires on mindfulness, emotion regulation strategies, and trait aggression. Results indicate that mindfulness was associated with rumination and expressive suppression, which mediated the mindfulness‐aggression relationship. Most facets of mindfulness were unrelated to the use of reflection and cognitive reappraisal. The nonjudging of experience facet of mindfulness was negatively related to hostility through rumination and expressive suppression. In contrast, the observing mindfulness facet was positively related to verbal aggression and hostility; these relations were mediated by rumination and expressive suppression.
... At the same direction, Borders et al. (2010) showed that fewer ruminating thoughts are related to lower anger and hostility, contributing for this mechanism hypothesis (Borders et al., 2010) since mindfulness training promotes decentering and reduces rumination (Schuman-Olivier et al., 2020). Then, from a therapeutic perspective, these mechanisms would be an important key factor that underlies the effectiveness of IBMs on treating anger (Wright et al., 2009). ...
... Mindfulness-based therapies with specific tasks for behavior control can benefit other mental disorders and violence domestic (Mitchell & Wupperman, 2022). In particular, for SUDs these results are consistent with studies evidencing an effect of mindfulness on other reactive behaviors, such as cravings, through the training of awareness skills, non-judgment, and conscious action (Baer, 2003;Hsiao et al., 2019;Witkiewitz et al., 2013aWitkiewitz et al., , 2013bWright et al., 2009). ...
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Mindfulness is effective in managing cravings and preventing relapse in substance use disorders (SUD), but its effectiveness in managing anger is unclear. We aim to assess the effects of mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP) on anger in men treated in therapeutics communities for SUD in Brazil. The sample size was designed to a minimum of 160 participants; 223 were randomized to MBRP or treatment as usual. After eight sessions of MBRP, the level of mindfulness and anger expression measures were assessed. Generalized estimated equations showed that MBRP group had a decreased effect on the anger expression index, reducing the anger expression-in and anger expression-out and increasing anger control-in and anger control-out compared to control. Mediation analysis showed that the level of mindfulness mediated group effects on anger expression index. MBRP protocol has shown benefits for anger management among inpatients with SUD.
... Another promising strategy for regulating anger is mindful emotion awareness (Bjureberg & Gross, 2021;Roberton et al., 2012;Wright et al., 2009). Mindful emotion awareness refers to an ongoing, present focused awareness of emotions, in a nonreactive and nonjudgemental manner, including aspects such as describing and observing emotions, sensations and inner experiences without any attempts to alter the experience (Chambers et al., 2009). ...
... This highlights the importance of aptly addressing this subgroup in treatment by including treatment components specifically targeting inward expressions of anger (e.g., hostility and anger rumination). Mindfulness-or acceptance-based interventions can be especially suitable for this cause since a central feature of these interventions is non-judgemental awareness and acceptance of emotional experiences (Wright et al., 2009). In line with this, previous research has shown that mindfulness-based interventions are effective in reducing anger and aggression in general (Gillions et al., 2019). ...
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Individuals who experience problems with anger represent a heterogeneous group. Identifying clinically relevant subtypes of anger may advance treatment research. In the current study, latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to explore if distinct subtypes of anger could be identified within a sample of individuals seeking treatment for maladaptive anger (N = 538; 55.4 % females; mean age = 39.78, SD = 12.28). Furthermore, the utility of the empirical classification was examined based on differences in usage of emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, mindful emotion awareness and relaxation) across subtypes. Four anger profiles were identified in the best‐fitted LPA model: Low Anger (n = 153, 28.4 %), Anger In (n = 91, 16.9 %), Moderate Anger (n = 193, 35.9 %), and High Anger (n = 101, 35.5 %). Results from the multinominal regression revealed that the use of emotion regulation differed across all profiles. Participants from the High Anger and Anger In profiles exhibited distinct patterns of dysfunctional emotion regulation. The results add to the increasing amount of evidence demonstrating a link between emotion regulation strategies and maladaptive anger. Clinical implications on how to tailor treatments for individuals with maladaptive anger are discussed.
... Two particularly interesting candidate strategies are mindful emotion awareness (i.e., observing thoughts and feelings in a nonjudgmental way) and cognitive reappraisal (i.e., reinterpreting thoughts and situations; Bjureberg & Gross, 2021;Denson et al., 2012;Roberton et al., 2012;Szasz et al., 2011;Wright et al., 2009). Increased skills in these strategies may address core mechanisms that can modulate the emotional experience (e.g., anger) and eventually extinguish inappropriate habitual behavioral responses (e.g., anger expression and suppression). ...
... Increased skills in these strategies may address core mechanisms that can modulate the emotional experience (e.g., anger) and eventually extinguish inappropriate habitual behavioral responses (e.g., anger expression and suppression). Mindful emotion awareness has shown promise in the treatment of maladaptive anger but the number of treatment studies testing this component are few (Bjureberg & Gross, 2021;Gillions et al., 2019;Wright et al., 2009). Thus, good quality RCTs are needed to confirm these results (Gillions et al., 2019). ...
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Objective: To evaluate the relative impact of three brief therapist-supported internet-delivered emotion regulation treatments for maladaptive anger (mindful emotion awareness [MEA], cognitive reappraisal [CR], and mindful emotion awareness + cognitive reappraisal [MEA + CR]) and to test whether baseline levels of anger pathology moderate treatment outcome. Method: Treatments were evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. In total, 234 participants (59% female; mean age = 41.1, SD = 11.6) with maladaptive anger were randomized to MEA (n = 78), CR (n = 77), or MEA + CR (n = 79). Self-reported primary and secondary outcomes were followed up at primary endpoint, 3 months after treatment termination (88% retention). Primary outcomes were also assessed weekly during a prolonged baseline phase (4 weeks) and an active treatment phase (4 weeks). Results: At the primary endpoint, the MEA + CR was superior in terms of anger expression (d = 0.27 95% confidence interval, CI [0.03, 0.51]), aggression (d = 0.43 [0.18, 0.68]), and anger rumination (d = 0.41 [0.18, 0.63]). MEA + CR was particularly effective in reducing anger expression (d = 0.66 [0.21, 1.11]), aggression (d = 0.90 [0.42, 1.39]), and anger rumination (d = 0.80 [0.40, 1.20]) for individuals who reported high values (+1SD) of the outcomes at baseline. Conclusions: Brief therapist-supported internet-delivered MEA and CR treatments are effective interventions for maladaptive anger. Combining MEA and CR is especially effective in reducing anger expression and aggression, particularly, in individuals who report higher levels of initial anger pathology. The present study highlights the importance of emotion regulation as an important treatment target for reducing maladaptive anger.
... En cualquier caso, es necesario abordar la dificultad para controlar la ira (Wright, Day y Howells, 2009); y, en este sentido, los tratamientos más utilizados son: la medicación (Singh et al., 2014) y las intervenciones psicosociales (Fix y Fix, 2013;Singh et al., 2014;Wright, Day y Howells, 2009). En los últimos años, las intervenciones basadas en mindfulness también han demostrado ser eficaces en la regulación de dicha emoción y, en definitiva, en el control de los comportamientos agresivos en personas con trastorno mental grave (Singh et al., 2007). ...
... En cualquier caso, es necesario abordar la dificultad para controlar la ira (Wright, Day y Howells, 2009); y, en este sentido, los tratamientos más utilizados son: la medicación (Singh et al., 2014) y las intervenciones psicosociales (Fix y Fix, 2013;Singh et al., 2014;Wright, Day y Howells, 2009). En los últimos años, las intervenciones basadas en mindfulness también han demostrado ser eficaces en la regulación de dicha emoción y, en definitiva, en el control de los comportamientos agresivos en personas con trastorno mental grave (Singh et al., 2007). ...
... En cualquier caso, es necesario abordar la dificultad para controlar la ira (Wright, Day y Howells, 2009); y, en este sentido, los tratamientos más utilizados son: la medicación (Singh et al., 2014) y las intervenciones psicosociales (Fix y Fix, 2013;Singh et al., 2014;Wright, Day y Howells, 2009). En los últimos años, las intervenciones basadas en mindfulness también han demostrado ser eficaces en la regulación de dicha emoción y, en definitiva, en el control de los comportamientos agresivos en personas con trastorno mental grave (Singh et al., 2007). ...
... En cualquier caso, es necesario abordar la dificultad para controlar la ira (Wright, Day y Howells, 2009); y, en este sentido, los tratamientos más utilizados son: la medicación (Singh et al., 2014) y las intervenciones psicosociales (Fix y Fix, 2013;Singh et al., 2014;Wright, Day y Howells, 2009). En los últimos años, las intervenciones basadas en mindfulness también han demostrado ser eficaces en la regulación de dicha emoción y, en definitiva, en el control de los comportamientos agresivos en personas con trastorno mental grave (Singh et al., 2007). ...
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Libro de capítulos del XI Congreso Internacional y XVI Nacional de Psicología Clínica
... The analysis was based on participants self-and partner-reported data and indicated that both in the CBGT and MBSR group physical and sexual violence was substantially reduced, and also physical injury on partners in both groups, with no difference between the two groups. One explanation for the similar reduction in reported violence in both groups might be a design issue in that our study has an active therapy as a comparator condition as reported by Wright et al. [26], which in our study was due to pragmatic reasons and is contrary to Palmstierna's [11] approach for instance which used a waiting list comparator group. An active comparator control has the advantage of possibly being more credible to the participants. ...
... This study and the other three have demonstrated a reduction in violence amongst men receiving CBGT, with varying changes in the comparator group. Current research indicates that MBSR is effective on a number of mental health conditions [13,14,26]. Therefore, the present study adopted MBSR as an active control condition. ...
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Background Violence in close relationships is a global public health problem and there is a need to implement therapeutic programs designed to help individuals who voluntarily seek help to reduce recurrent intimate partner violence. The effectiveness of such interventions in this population remains inconclusive. The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural group therapy (CBGT) vs mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) group therapy in reducing violent behavior amongst individuals who are violent in intimate partnerships and who voluntarily seek help. Methods One hundred forty four participants were randomized using an internet-based computer system. Nineteen withdrew after randomization and 125 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention condition (CBGT, n = 67) or the comparator condition (MBSR, n = 58). The intervention condition involved two individual sessions followed by 15 cognitive-behavioural group therapy sessions. The comparator condition included one individual session before and after 8 mindfulness-based group sessions. Participants (N = 125) and their relationship partners (n = 56) completed assessments at baseline, and at three, six, nine and twelve months’ follow-up. The pre-defined primary outcome was reported physical, psychological or sexual violence and physical injury as measured by the revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2). Results The intent-to-treat analyses were based on 125 male participants (intervention group n = 67; comparator group n = 58). Fifty-six female partners provided collateral information. Baseline risk estimate in the CBGT-group was .85 (.74–.92), and .88 (.76–.94) in the MBSR-group for physical violence. At 12-months’ follow-up a substantial reduction was found in both groups (CBGT: .08 (.03–.18); MBSR: .19 (.11–.32)). Conclusion Results provide support for the efficacy of both the cognitive-behavioural group therapy and the mindfulness-based stress reduction group therapy in reducing intimate partner violent behavior in men voluntarily seeking treatment. Trial registration NCT01653860, registered July 2012.
... Currently, there is a growing body of literature indicating the efficacy of mindfulness as a treatment option for a range of disorders (Bergeron, Almgren-Dore, & Dandeneau, 2016;Wright, Day, & Howells, 2009). Therapeutic interventions have revealed promising outcomes using mindfulness in the treatment of depression, anxiety, psychosis, substance abuse, trauma, psychological distress and neuroticism (for a comprehensive review see Baer, 2003). ...
... Empirical work reveals equivocal findings in response to this question. Some research suggests mindfulness may exert its effects by directly reducing the intensity of negative emotion (Wright et al., 2009). In this view, taking a de-centred and non-reactive stance towards negative experiences, thoughts, and emotions is thought to facilitate better emotionregulation (Feldman et al., 2010). ...
... These ndings, combined with previous research, highlight the importance of asking clients to rate their state anger, as well as their urge to engage in physical aggression. Additionally, clinicians would be wise to focus on interventions, such as mindfulness (Wright et al., 2009) or progressive muscle relaxation (PMR; DiBlasi & Sinn, 2024), to decrease clients' state anger and urge to engage in physical aggression. These skills could then be coupled with challenging cognitions, speci cally targeting thoughts of retribution. ...
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Background Anger is a primary emotion that can lead to physical aggression 10% -25% of the time. Given this, it is important to understand which cognitions are present when anger leads to physical aggression. Method Using Prolific, 302 participants were randomly assigned to write about a time they were angry that they did or did not physically aggress. Using a mixed method approach, participants answered close-ended questions regarding the presence of eight angry cognitions. Additionally, their open-ended answers were coded for the same angry cognitions. Results Participants who physically aggressed (PA) when angry were more likely to endorse thoughts of just desserts and have more coded cognitions of low frustration tolerance and retribution than participants who did not physically aggress when angry (NPA). Participants in the NPA condition were more likely to endorse and have coded thoughts of demandingness than participants in the PA condition. Moreover, participants in the PA condition were more likely to have more coded angry cognitions in general than participants in the NPA condition. Conclusion Total angry cognitions, and specific cognitions (just desserts, low frustration tolerance, and retribution) may be important treatment targets for anger and physical aggression. Implications and additional treatment targets are discussed.
... These findings, combined with previous research, highlight the importance of asking clients to rate their state anger, as well as their urge to engage in physical aggression. Additionally, clinicians would be wise to focus on interventions, such as mindfulness (Wright et al., 2009) or progressive muscle relaxation (PMR; DiBlasi & Sinn, 2024), to decrease clients' state anger and urge to engage in physical aggression. These skills could then be coupled with challenging cognitions, specifically targeting thoughts of retribution. ...
Article
Full-text available
Background Anger is a primary emotion that can lead to physical aggression 10 -25% of the time. Given this, it is important to understand which cognitions are present when anger leads to physical aggression. Method Using Prolific, 302 participants were randomly assigned to write about a time they were angry that they did or did not physically aggress. Using a mixed method approach, participants answered close-ended questions regarding the presence of eight angry cognitions. Additionally, their open-ended answers were coded for the same angry cognitions. Results Participants who physically aggressed (PA) when angry were more likely to endorse thoughts of just desserts and have more coded cognitions of low frustration tolerance and retribution than participants who did not physically aggress when angry (NPA). Participants in the NPA condition were more likely to endorse and have coded thoughts of demandingness than participants in the PA condition. Moreover, participants in the PA condition were more likely to have more coded angry cognitions in general than participants in the NPA condition. Conclusion Total angry cognitions, and specific cognitions (just desserts, low frustration tolerance, and retribution) may be important treatment targets for anger and physical aggression. Implications and additional treatment targets are discussed.
... Among the techniques used are, for example, cognitive reframing, relaxation techniques and skills training. These are provided to: a) enhance anger regulation through measured exposure to provocation; b) improve cognitive skills for processing thoughts of aggression; and c) provide coping skills for self-regulation and distress tolerance (Wright et al., 2009). ...
... Yet, we did not find evidence that people's SRN buffered the inertia of anger. Since previous works indicated the importance of mindfulness for the management of one's anger (Wright et al., 2009), its core component of non-reactivity to inner experiences could represent a potential protective factor against the inertia of anger. Although confirmatory evidence is needed, at a practical level, our findings may inform clinicians about the importance of strengthening people's SRN to reduce sadness and improve emotional stability (see also Caprara et al., 2013a) in their daily life. ...
Article
Emotional inertia (i.e., the resistance to change of emotional states) is an index of regulatory deficit linked to psychological maladjustment. Using ecological momentary assessment, we explored the role of Self-efficacy in Regulating Negative Affect (SRN), as a baseline measure, to buffer sadness and anger inertia, measured three times a day over 28 days in two samples from the UK: (1) adults (n = 166 adults; Mage = 35.71, SD = 12.96; 73% women) and (2) adolescents (n = 82 adolescents; Mage 14.88, SD = 1.34; 72% girls). Dynamic Structural Equation Modeling showed that both sadness and anger had significant levels of inertia. Importantly, the inertia of sadness was weakened by high levels of SRN among both adults and adolescents (β = -.211, 95% CI [-.303, -.112]; and β = -.485, 95% CI [-.707, -.162], respectively). No buffering effect of SRN was found for the inertia of anger. These findings suggest the importance of strengthening adults’ and adolescents’ SRN to manage their sadness in everyday life.
... Focusing on intra-individual dynamics makes it plausible that interventions aimed at improving mother-to-infant bonding, particularly reducing feelings of anger/ rejection toward the child, might alleviate postpartum depressive symptoms. For example, given that reappraisal techniques and mindfulness interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing anger (Szasz, Szentagotai, & Hofmann, 2011;Wright, Day, & Howells, 2009), their use postnatally could potentially enhance mother-to-infant bonding, thereby preventing escalation of postpartum depressive symptoms. In light of existing research demonstrating a significant link between prenatal and postnatal bonding experiences (Tichelman et al., 2019), interventions for pregnant women regarding feelings of bonding with their fetus may also be effective. ...
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Background Although the importance of the dynamic intra-individual relationship between mother-to-infant bonding and postpartum depressive symptoms has been widely recognized, the complex interplay between them is not well understood. Furthermore, the potential role of prenatal depressive symptoms and infant temperament in this relationship remains unclear. This study aims to examine the bidirectional influence of mother-to-infant bonding on postpartum depressive symptoms within individuals and to elucidate whether prenatal depressive symptoms and infant temperament would influence deviations from stable individual states. Methods Longitudinal data were collected from 433 women in early pregnancy. Of these, 360 participants completed the main questionnaires measuring impaired mother-to-infant bonding and postpartum depressive symptoms at least once during the postpartum period. Data were collected at early and late pregnancy and several postpartum time points: shortly after birth and at one, four, ten, and 18 months postpartum. We also assessed prenatal depressive symptoms and infant temperament. A random-intercept cross-lagged panel model was used. ResultsWithin-individual variability in mother-to-infant bonding, especially anger and rejection, significantly predicted subsequent postpartum depressive symptoms. However, the inverse relationship was not significant. Additionally, prenatal depressive symptoms and difficult infant temperament were associated with greater within-individual variability in impaired mother-to-infant bonding and postpartum depressive symptoms. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that the within-individual relationship between mother-to-infant bonding and postpartum depressive symptoms is likely non-bidirectional. The significance of the findings is underscored by the potential for interventions aimed at improving mother-to-infant bonding to alleviate postpartum depressive symptoms, suggesting avenues for future research and practice.
... of anger and aggressive behavior without necessarily being consciously aware, until moments later (Berkowitz, 2012). Accordingly, it has been suggested that increasing awareness of emotional experiences, by practicing mindfulness strategies, can reduce anger and aggression (Bjureberg et al., 2022;Roberton et al., 2012;Wright et al., 2009). ...
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Objective This study aimed to investigate the interrelations between emotion regulation strategies and different types of anger using network analysis. Method Data were drawn from a cross‐sectional sample of 538 adults (55% females; mean age = 39.8 years, SD = 12.3) seeking treatment for anger. Data were collected between March and November 2019 in Sweden. Participants completed measures of anger problems (anger expression, anger suppression, angry reactions, anger rumination, trait anger, hostility, physical aggression, and verbal aggression) and emotion regulation (cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, anger relaxation, and five mindfulness strategies). To determine whether distinct clusters of anger nodes would emerge, exploratory graph analysis was employed. Based on clustering of nodes, we estimated separate networks including all measures of emotion regulation. Results Two clusters emerged: one consisting primarily of cognitive components of anger, and another of behavioral. Across networks, anger nodes were strongly interconnected, and anger rumination and anger suppression were especially influential. Several direct links were found between specific emotion regulation strategies and cognitive components of anger, whereas most strategies were only indirectly related to angry behavior. Cognitive reappraisal showed no direct link with any of the anger nodes. Conclusions Our findings reveal potential pathways by which different emotion regulation strategies may influence different types of anger, which could serve as therapeutic targets.
... Mindfulness facilitates the cognitive change and helps in the development of self-regulatory ability. [33] In the present study, relaxation was practiced in each session. Adolescents reported that it calms their mind and increases their attention in studies. ...
Article
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: Anger is a natural feeling which is essential for survival, however, which can impair functioning if it is excessive. Adolescents need to be equipped with skills to cope with their anger for the promotion of their health and safety. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of anger management program on anger level, problem solving skills, communication skills, and adjustment among school‑going adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental, pre‑test–post‑test control group design with a multistage random sampling was adopted to select 128 school‑going adolescents aged between 13 and 16 years. Experimental group received six sessions of anger management program, while control group received one session on anger management skill after the completion of post‑assessment for both the groups. Sessions included education on anger, ABC analysis of behavior and relaxation training, modifying anger inducing thoughts, problem solving, and communication skills training. Assessment done after the 2 months of anger management program. Data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: Study reveals the improvement in the problem solving skills (81.66 ± 4.81), communication skills (82.40 ± 3.82), adjustment (28.35 ± 3.76), and decreased anger level (56.48 ± 4.97). Within the experimental and between the experimental and control group, post‑test mean scores differed significantly (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results revealed that the anger management program was effective in decreasing anger level and increasing problem solving skills, communication skills, and adjustment among school‑going adolescents. Keywords: Adjustment, adolescent, anger management, communication, problem solving
... While I grant that the relevant combination of affective dispositions is neither common nor easily achieved, we should not assume that it is impossible. There is ample empirical evidence showing that we are capable of diminishing our susceptibility to anger through various forms of spiritual practice, philosophical reflection, and psychotherapy (Wright et al. 2009;Henwood et al. 2015;Robertson 2019). Such emotional training often involves learning to pay closer attention to one's mental states and thinking carefully about one's values. ...
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According to the Fittingness Defense, even if the consequences of anger are overall bad, it does not follow that we should aim to avoid it. This is because fitting anger involves an accurate appraisal of wrongdoing and is essential for appreciating injustice and signaling our disapproval (Srinivasan 2018; Shoemaker 2018). My aim in this paper is to show that the Fittingness Defense fails. While accurate appraisals are prima facie rational and justified on epistemic grounds, I argue that this type of fittingness does not vindicate anger because there are alternative modes of recognizing and appreciating wrongdoing that can generate the benefits of anger without the harmful effects. Moreover, anger involves more than its appraisal of wrongdoing—it also consists of attitudes and motivations that are arguably of intrinsic disvalue.
... Good examples of these are programs that promote psychological flexibility through mindfulness training, especially in interventions for violent offenders. Baer (2003) and Wright et al. (2009) have identified a number of different mechanisms by which mindfulness-based interventions might improve emotional control. They suggest that mindfulness improves an individual's ability to tolerate negative emotional states and the ability to cope with them effectively. ...
Chapter
The application of positive psychology ideas to forensic settings, however, has taken longer to occur and is probably best encapsulated in the development of the Good Lives Model (GLM), and work in the area of desistance. Both the GLM and the desistance paradigm are highly consistent with the ideas of positive psychology. This chapter begins by describing the origins of positive psychology before considering its influence on forensic thinking and the role that it has to play in promoting and fostering well‐being and resilience. It provides an overview of three key service settings: prisons and community corrections, juvenile justice, and forensic mental health. There are few areas of practice in the criminal justice arena quite so contentious as how to respond to young people who commit serious and/or repeated offenses. Finally, the chapter proposes a preliminary integrative framework to guide the delivery of forensic positive psychological services.
... Consistent with Hypothesis 4a, the result of this study shows that there was a chain mediating role of emotional intelligence and positive coping style between mindfulness and burnout. Research related to mindfulness and emotions has shown that mindfulness allows individuals to detect the cues related to negative emotions (e.g., anger) in time, and then respond more appropriately and avoid undesirable consequences of automated reactions [58]. Thus, mindfulness of preschool teachers not only provides the basis and possibility to better recognize and perceive the emotions of themselves and others, effectively managing emotions, but also enhances their emotional intelligence, helping them to adopt effective ways to cope with challenges and stress. ...
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Preschool teachers’ job burnout has many adverse effects on their career development; although some studies have examined the influencing factors of teachers’ burnout, less were explored from the perspective of individual factors. This study aimed to examine the relationship between mindfulness and job burnout of preschool teachers, and the mediating effects of emotional intelligence and coping style. A total of 394 preschool teachers in China filled in questionnaires measuring mindfulness, emotional intelligence, coping style, and job burnout. The findings suggested that: (1) mindfulness was negatively related to job burnout; (2) emotional intelligence and negative coping style played independent mediating effects between mindfulness and job burnout; and (3) emotional intelligence and positive coping style played a chain mediating effect between mindfulness and job burnout. The results revealed the mechanism of mindfulness on preschool teachers’ job burnout, which is of great significance for the psychological intervention of preschool teachers in the future.
... Mindfulness was found to be negatively related to anger and aggressive behaviour among drivers (Borders et al., 2010;Stephens et al., 2018). Mindfulness training is successful at reducing anger (Amutio et al., 2014;Fix & Fix, 2013;Heppner et al., 2008;Wright et al., 2009). Mindfulness helps to increase awareness to the current situation in order to assess it and act in a more appropriate way. ...
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Anger and aggression have large impact on people’s safety and the society at large. In order to provide an intervention to minimise aggressive behaviours, it is important to understand the neural and cognitive aspects of anger and aggression. In this systematic review, we investigate the cognitive and neural aspects of anger-related processes, including anger-related behaviours and anger reduction. Using this information, we then review prior existing methods on the treatment of anger-related disorders as well as anger management, including mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy. At the cognitive level, our review that anger is associated with excessive attention to anger-related stimuli and impulsivity. At the neural level, anger is associated with abnormal functioning of the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex. In conclusions, based on cognitive and neural studies, we here argue that mindfulness based cognitive behavioural therapy may be better at reducing anger and aggression than other behavioural treatments, such as cognitive behavioural therapy or mindfulness alone. We provide key information on future research work and best ways to manage anger and reduce aggression. Importantly, future research should investigate how anger related behaviours is acquired and how stress impacts the development of anger.
... Studies indicated that mindfulness interventions decrease drivers' intense and frequent anger in traffic settings; and as a result of this, improves safety and performance while driving (Borders et al., 2010;Heppner et al., 2008;Koppel et al. 2018;Wright, Day, & Howells, 2009;Valero-Mora et al., 2015). Correlational studies also indicated a positive relationship between mindfulness and positive and safe driving behaviors, which are mediated through self-control, happiness, emotion regulation, and psychological well-being (Bird, 2018;Bowen & Smith, 2019). ...
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Pozitif psikoloji kavramlarının sürücü davranışları üzerindeki rolüne ilişkin çalışmalara gittikçe artan bir ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır. Bu çalışma, bilinçli farkındalık ve iyilik hali ile riskli sürücü davranışları (hatalar, ihmaller, saldırgan ihlaller ve sıradan ihlaller) ve pozitif sürücü davranışları arasındaki ilişkileri araştırmayı amaçlamıştır. Araştırmaya 19-70 yaşları arasında toplam 249 ehliyetli sürücü katılmıştır (%53,4 kadın). Veriler, Demografik Bilgi Formu, Toronto Bilgece Farkındalık Ölçeği, Sürücü Davranışları Anketi ve İyilik Hali Ölçeği kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Değişkenler arasındaki ilişkileri incelemek için Hiyerarşik Regresyon Analizleri yapılmıştır. Sonuçlar, iyilik hali ve bilinçli farkındalığın pozitif sürücü davranışlarıyla pozitif yönde ilişkili olduğunu göstermiştir. Ek olarak, bilinçli farkındalık, trafik ortamlarındaki hatalar, agresif ihlaller ve sıradan ihlallerle negatif yönde ilişkili olarak bulunmuştur. Bu çalışma, pozitif psikoloji kavramlarının pozitif ve negatif sürücü davranışları üzerindeki rolünü inceleyen ilk örneklerden biridir. Bulgular, bu pozitif kavramların trafik ortamında önemini göstermektedir. Buna göre bilinçli farkındalık ve iyilik haline odaklanan müdahaleler, yol güvenliğini artırmak için olumlu sürücü davranışlarını artırabilir ve riskli sürücü davranışlarını azaltabilir.
... Esta comprensión podrá facilitar la transformación necesaria para saber reconvertir adecuadamente estas fuerzas adversas sin que nos desborden completamente. En el caso de la ira (Wright, Day y Howells, 2009), por ejemplo, podemos tomar conciencia del sentimiento agudo que alguna de nuestras necesidades básicas está siendo ignorada o despreciada. De esta manera, aparece la alternativa de expresar dicha necesidad, en lugar de reaccionar agresivamente en función de nuestro malestar. ...
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Tradicionalmente, el desarrollo de la dimensión ética ha sido planteado como algo que, desde alguna autoridad exterior, puede ser implantado en todo ser humano. Si bien en buena medida parece ser así, con ello se olvida que su pleno desarrollo pasa también por el conocimiento de uno mismo que llega a lograr el sujeto. La actitud ética no es algo que dependa simplemente de la adquisición de una determinada información técnica relativa a cómo valorar, decidir y actuar. Plantearemos aquí que la atención consciente no tan solo es deseable para la existencia, sino que puede considerarse que es una condición necesaria para una vida ética auténtica.
... We find support for the idea that induced mindfulness reduces the incidence of negative emotions. While prior research on mindfulness has examined anxiety (Sedlmeier et al., 2012) and anger (Borders et al., 2010;Wright et al., 2009), we extend this evidence to the discrete emotion of guilt. ...
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The present research investigates whether and how mindfulness meditation influences the guilt-driven tendency to repair harm caused to others. Through a series of eight experiments (n > 1400), we demonstrate that state mindfulness cultivated via focused breathing meditation can dampen the relationship between transgressions and the desire to engage in reparative prosocial behaviors. Experiment 1 showed that induced state mindfulness reduced state guilt. Experiments 2a-2c found that induced state mindfulness reduced the willingness to engage in reparative behaviors in normally guilt-inducing situations. Experiments 3a and 3b found that guilt mediated the negative effect of mindfulness meditation on prosocial reparation. Experiment 4 demonstrated that induced state mindfulness weakened the link between a transgression and reparative behavior, as well as documented the mediating role of guilt over and above other emotions. Finally, in Experiment 5, we found that loving kindness meditation led to significantly more prosocial reparation than focused breathing meditation, mediated by increased other focus and feelings of love. We discuss theoretical and practical implications.
... In addition to shifts in emotional reactivity and valence, mindfulness seems to affect the prevalence of basic emotions. Mindfulness-based interventions reduce disturbing emotions that impair the ability to remain fully present, such as anger (Wright et al., 2009;Momeni et al., 2016), anxiety (Goldin and Gross, 2014), perceived threat (Niemiec et al., 2010), fear (Greeson and Brantley, 2009), distress (Grossman et al., 2004;Chiesa and Serretti, 2009;Momeni et al., 2016), and disgust (Sato and Sugiura, 2014). ...
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Though research provides ample evidence that mindfulness shapes psychological processes and states that are linked to political attitudes and behavior, political science has so far largely ignored mindfulness as a potential explanatory factor shaping political attitudes and actions. This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the concept of mindfulness and outlines potential linkages between mindfulness and outlines political attitudes. I begin by identifying gaps in the literature on political attitude formation and change as well as its linkage to political behavior. I then introduce mindfulness as a multifaceted concept, discussing its definitional features and unravelling the mechanisms of mindfulness affecting cognitive and emotional abilities. Building on this foundation, I review research on correlates and effects of mindfulness on attitudes and behaviors related to the political domain, such as pro-environmentalism and pro-social behavior. Critically reflecting on extant research on mindfulness, I propose possible research avenues for political science that enhance its dialogue with neuroscience and social psychology.
... Some things that are negative symptoms in schizophrenia patients are tantrums, threats, and swearing using harsh words. These negative symptoms arise due to the patient's inability to control emotions (Wright et al., 2009). ...
... Meanwhile, drivers with high self-awareness have better situational perception and less participation in accidents (Kass, VanWormer, Mikulas, Legan, & Bumgarner, 2011). Self-awareness enables a person to evaluate his/her experience and reaction (Wright, Day, & Howells, 2009). Thus: ...
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Online transportation has widely spread across the globe in the past three years. It provokes changes in transportation management. Driver's quality improvement is crucial to prevent problems related to accidents and driver-passenger relationships. This paper employs regression analysis to identify the effect of driving attitude, self-awareness, and social self-supervision on aberrant driving behavior in online taxi drivers in Indonesia. One hundred Grab and Go-Jek drivers are selected from the DKI Jakarta area. Data are collected via questionnaires. Data analysis, as well as statistical calculation, reveals the negative effects of social self-supervision on aberrant driving behavior.
... Márquez-González et al. (2010) suggest that spiritual meaning and support from a religious community are directly and negatively related to anger. There is also some clinically based evidence that meditation may alleviate the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral expressions of anger (Wright et al. 2009). Maddi et al. (2006) show that religiosity, together with hardiness, has a buffering effect on anger among military and governmental personnel. ...
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Does the way we think or feel about ourselves have an impact on our anger-based reactions? Is the direction and strength of this relationship direct, or affected by other factors as well? Given that there is a lack of research on the loss of self-dignity and anger, the first aim of the present study consisted in examining whether or not there is a connection between both variables, with particular emphasis on early adulthood. The second purpose was to explore the moderating role of religiosity on the relationship between loss of self-dignity and anger. Methods: Data were gathered from 462 participants aged 18 to 35. The main methods applied were the Questionnaire of Sense of Self-Dignity, Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire, and Religious Meaning System Questionnaire. The results show a statistically significant positive correlation between loss of self-dignity and anger, a negative correlation between religiosity and anger, and no significant association between the loss of self-dignity and religiosity. However, all other dimensions of the sense of self-dignity correlated positively with religiosity. Our findings also confirm that the level of anger resulting from the loss of self-dignity is significantly lower as the level of religiosity increases. Such outcomes seem to support the conception that religiosity may act as a protective factor between the risk (loss of self-dignity) and the outcome factor (anger).
... Moreover, because physically aggressive individuals' postdecisional processing may be adaptive in threatening environments, mindfulness-based interventions targeted toward strengthening nonjudgmental awareness of (vs. eliminating) decisions that others are threatening could be beneficial (Wright, Day, & Howells, 2009). Identifying individuals who would benefit most from intervention is crucial as well. ...
Article
Physically aggressive individuals are more likely to decide that others are threatening. Yet no research has examined how physically aggressive individuals’ social decisions unfold in real time. Seventy-five incarcerated men completed a task in which they identified the emotions in faces displaying anger (i.e., threat) and happiness (i.e., nonthreat) at low, moderate, or high ambiguity. Participants then rated their confidence in their decisions either immediately or after a delay, and changes in confidence provided an index of postdecisional processing. Physical aggression was associated with stronger differentiation of threatening and nonthreatening faces under moderate ambiguity. Moreover, physical aggression was associated with steeper decreases in confidence over time following decisions that threatening faces were nonthreatening, indicating more extensive postdecisional processing. This pattern of postdecisional processing mediated the association between physical aggression and angry rumination. Findings suggest a role for postdecisional processing in the maintenance of threat-based social decisions in physical aggression.
... Furthermore, other treatments such as mindfulness (Wright et al., 2009) and cognitive behavioral therapy (Querstret & Cropley, 2013) have proven effective in reducing anger rumination. ...
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Adolescents' involvement in cyberbullying has been a growing public health concern for some time. Cybervictimization and cyberaggression are two phenomena that previous research has often shown to be associated. However, longitudinal research into these associations and also into potential risk factors for these phenomena is less common. Anger rumination is a proven risk factor for aggressive behavior, but the relationship between anger rumination and victimization is not clear. The present longitudinal study investigated the associations between cybervictimization, anger rumination and cyberbullying in a sample of 3017 adolescents (MW1 = 13.15; SD = 1.09; 49% girls) from 7th to 9th grade. The European Cyberbullying Intervention Project Questionnaire and the Anger Rumination Scale were administered in four waves with 6 months intervals over a total period of 18 months. The associations between the variables were analyzed with a cross-lagged model. We found that: cybervictimization predicted anger rumination and cyberaggression; anger rumination was associated with later increases in both cybervictimization and cyberaggression: but involvement in cyberaggression predicted neither subsequent involvement in cybervictimization, nor in anger rumination. In addition, cybervictimization was found to mediate the association between anger rumination and cyberaggression. This study expands the understanding of the factors associated with cybervictimization and cyberaggression, and its results indicate that intervention programs should focus on boosting self-control to decrease impulsive behavior and protocols to prevent and intervene in cyberbullying.
... In a therapeutic context, acceptance-based approaches are used to help clients experience emotions and body sensations in full (without avoidance). Also, these approaches fully regard the presence of thoughts without restricting them (17). Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is one of the CBT-based therapies and based on psychological acceptance. ...
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Objective: The aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) compared to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on anger and interpersonal relationships among male students. Method: In the present study, several universities were selected from the public universities in Tehran province, based on random cluster sampling. Then, 400 students from selected universities were selected randomly and Aggression Questionnaire (AGQ) was administered on them. After collecting information, among the participants who gained scores higher than the average, 30 were selected based on the lottery and randomly (sorting their names in alphabetical order and randomly selecting them) and then were placed randomly in ACT (n = 15) and CBT (n = 15) groups. Also, the Fundamental Interpersonal Relation Orientation- Behavior (FIRO-B) and Aggression Questionnaire (AGQ) was performed on both groups before and after intervention. Results: The results indicated that at the end of treatment, there was a significant decrease in the degree of anger among the participants and a significant improvement in all subscales of interpersonal relationships. Also, a significant difference was found between the 2 groups of ACT and CBT in terms of anger changes. Considering that the anger changes in the ACT group were higher, it can be concluded that the ACT group had more changes than the CBT group, but there was no significant difference between the 2 groups of ACT and CBT in terms of FIRO-B subscales. Conclusion: In some cases, such as anger, ACT has a better effect than CBT, and in others, such as interpersonal problems, it is as effective as CBT.
... correlation between anger suppression and social anxiety. Although MBSR also theoretically targets anger suppression via the acceptance and non-judgment of anger-related thoughts (Wright et al., 2009), perhaps the reappraisal and exposure-based techniques utilized in CBGT provide a more potent intervention that simultaneously targets both anger suppression and social anxiety. ...
Article
Background : Cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) are two prominent evidence-based treatments for social anxiety disorder (SAD). It is not clear, however, whether outcomes of these two treatments are moderated by similar factors. For example, whereas anger suppression and anger expression each predict outcomes in cognitive- behavioral group therapy (CBGT), it is unknown whether they differentially influence outcomes in CBGT versus MBSR. Methods : One hundred eight participants with SAD were randomized to CBGT, MBSR or Waitlist (WL). WL participants were later randomized to CBGT or MBSR, and their data were combined with data from those originally randomized to CBGT or MBSR. Anger suppression and anger expression were assessed at pre-treatment, and social anxiety was assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and every 3 months throughout a 12-month follow-up period. Results : From pre- to post-treatment, higher anger suppression was associated with significantly greater reduction in social anxiety in CBGT compared with MBSR. From post-treatment through follow-up, higher anger expression was associated lesser reduction in social anxiety in MBSR but not in CBGT. Limitations : Data are limited by sole reliance on self-report and it is unclear whether these findings generalize beyond group-based interventions. Conclusions : Individuals with SAD who are higher in anger suppression and/or expression might be better suited to CBGT than MBSR.
... Durante el ejercicio de mindfulness se recomienda tener una mente de principiante, con actitud de aceptación, sin juzgar, mostrando desapego, paciencia, constancia y confianza (Kabat-Zinm, 2003). El mindfulness es una forma de disolución de las relaciones del aprendizaje tomando conciencia del presente Siegel (2007), disminuyendo la activación (Kabat-Zinn, 1990) y mejorando el nivel de aceptación de las experiencias sin evitarlas (Roemer y Orsillo, 2002), así como la disminución de emociones negativas o problemas de ira (Wright , Day y Howells, 2009). Por tanto, el mindfulness está orientado a obtener una regulación emocional, una sensibilidad interoceptiva y un cambio de perspectiva del self (Chambers , Gullone y Allen, 2009). ...
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... There is currently a lack of studies of mindfulness-based stress reduction effectiveness with regard to intimate partner violence. However, previous research suggests that mindfulnessbased stress reduction is effective with several mental health conditions, which potentially could help intimate partner violent individuals as well ( Baer, 2003 ;Grossman et al., 2004 ;Kocovski et al., 2013 ;Wright et al., 2009 ). Systematic reviews have suggested that mindfulness-based stress reduction is effective in improving anxiety, depression and social functioning ( de Vibe et al., 2017 ;Goldberg et al., 2018 ;Goyal et al., 2014 ), as well as chronic diseases ( Goldberg et al., 2018 ;Goyal et al., 2014 ;Khoo et al., 2019 ). ...
Article
Background Intimate partner violence constitutes a serious health problem worldwide. To date the evidence is sparse on whether intimate partner violence group interventions could improve mental health outcomes among perpetrators and their partners. Objectives To compare the effectiveness of nurse-led cognitive-behavioural group therapy vs. mindfulness-based stress reduction group therapy in improving reported mental health outcomes and emotion regulation at 12 months’ follow-up amongst perpetrators who voluntarily seek help for violence in intimate partnerships. Design A randomised controlled trial. Participants A total of 125 persons at an outpatient service run by a University Hospital in Norway for men who perpetrate intimate partner violence were enroled in the study. Methods The participants were randomly assigned to cognitive-behavioural group therapy (intervention group, N = 67) or mindfulness-based stress reduction group therapy (comparator group, N = 58). The pre-defined outcomes were symptoms of anxiety and depression as reported by the Hopkins Symptom Checklist 25 and general emotion regulation as reported by Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale at 12 months’ follow-up. Results A reduction of symptoms of anxiety and depression was reported, with no between-group differences (intervention group: coefficient: − 0.17, P = 0.009; comparator group: coefficient: − 0.13, P = 0.036). Both groups had a small but statistically significant reduction in the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale scores at 12 months’ follow-up (intervention group: coefficient: − 0.47, P = <0.001; comparator group: coefficient: − 0. 34, P = <0.001). Conclusion Even though there was reduction in symptoms in both groups at 12 months’ follow-up with no between-group differences, the total symptom scores remained high in both groups. Trial registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01653860.
... For example, adolescents may be given psychoeducation about the unhelpful effects of angry rumination as an emotion regulation strategy, and encouraged to look out for warning signs and triggers for when it occurs. They may be trained to use more adaptive coping strategies, such as mindfulness (Wright et al. 2009), directed imagery, and active problemsolving (Watkins 2015) that they can then engage in as an alternative to rumination (Leigh et al. 2012). ...
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Although youth irritability is linked with substantial psychiatric morbidity and impairment, little is known about how personal characteristics influence its course. In this study we examined the prospective associations between angry and depressive rumination and irritability. A sample of 165 school pupils aged 12-14 years were assessed at two time points six months apart. They completed measures of irritability at Times 1 and 2 and depressive and angry rumination at Time 1. In line with our hypotheses, we found that angry rumination is significantly associated with irritability six months later, over and above baseline irritability and depressive rumination. The present findings suggest angry rumination is relevant to the genesis of irritability in adolescents, and point to possible routes for prevention and early intervention.
... Estos resultados, parecen indicar que, aquellas personas que están satisfechas consigo mismas tienen un mejor control de los eventos estresantes y la ira en sus relaciones interpersonales (Ç evik, 2017). En relación a la atención plena, es importante indicar que puede mejorar el control emocional, ayudando a las personas a tolerar estados emocionales negativos y enfrentarlos de manera efectiva (Baer, 2003;Wright, Day y Howells, 2009). Asimismo, las habilidades de atención plena desarrollan una mayor autoconciencia que permite a los individuos pensar en las consecuencias de su comportamiento y regular la ira (Wongtongkam et al., 2014). ...
Article
Resumen Introducción y objetivos La ira está relacionada con la salud mental y física, por lo que su evaluación es importante para muchas ciencias de la salud donde se han implementado intervenciones para la regulación de la ira. En ese sentido, el objetivo del estudio fue traducir al español, evaluar la estructura factorial, confiabilidad e invariancia factorial con respecto al género del Dimensions of Anger Reactions (DAR-5), así como examinar la validez convergente y discriminante del DAR-5 con base en sus correlaciones con otra medida de propensión a la ira, bienestar, atención plena y ansiedad en estudiantes universitarios. Material y método Se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio para explorar la estructura interna de la escala y un análisis factorial multigrupo para probar la invariancia a través de género en una muestra de 420 estudiantes universitarios (Medad = 21.14, DT = 3.01) que contestaron las siguientes escalas: el DAR-5, Escala de propensión a la ira de García (APS-G), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS-5), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) y Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale-2 (GAD-2). Resultados Los resultados indicaron que el DAR-5 es un instrumento esencialmente unidimensional y que proporcionan puntajes precisos (ω = .86 para la muestra total, ω = .87 para la submuestra de mujeres y ω = .86 para la submuestra de hombres). Se comprobó la invarianza configural, métrica y escalar del DAR-5, lo que lleva a asumir que mide el mismo constructo en hombres y mujeres. Asimismo, elevados niveles de ira se asociaron con una mayor ansiedad generalizada y una disminución de la satisfacción con la vida y la atención plena. Conclusión El DAR-5 es una medida de ira confiable, válida e invariante entre los estudiantes universitarios y puede recomendarse como un indicador de ajuste psicológico en esta población.
... MBIs have demonstrated efficacy in targeting and treating criminogenic needs, such as self-regulation and negative affect (Dafoe & Stermac, 2013). In a paper by Howells and colleagues (2010), mindfulness training was suggested as a beneficial tool for reducing the risk of recidivism as mindfulness targets key criminogenic needs such as poor affective self-regulation, anger control, and impulsivity (Day, 2009;wright et al., 2009). Similarly, MBIs have contributed to significant improvements in hostility, self-esteem, and mood disturbance in people in custody, as they are able to gain new strategies for managing their negative emotions (Samuelson et al., 2007). ...
Article
A growing body of research supports the use of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) in incarcerated populations; however, treatment effectiveness remains unclear. This meta-analysis of 22 studies ( N = 2,265, 75% male) quantified the effectiveness of MBIs in incarcerated populations on key psychological outcomes and criminogenic needs. Results from pre–post studies indicated MBIs had a small to moderate effect on all outcomes, but this was not supported by controlled studies. Studies with older participants, more females, and longer treatment length demonstrated slightly greater effects. Results from pre–post analyses demonstrated significant reductions in psychological outcomes (depression, anxiety, and stress) and criminogenic needs (impulsivity, self-dysregulation, anger, substance use behavior, and attitude). However, only depression and anxiety were significantly reduced in controlled studies. Although findings offer preliminary support of the efficacy of MBIs in targeting psychological health in incarcerated populations, further controlled studies are required to examine criminogenic outcomes and recidivism rates after treatment.
... The SUDS ranged from 1 to 10 as a concrete measure of emotion intensity. Mindfulness has been recommended as a method to regulate anxiety and anger (Hofmann & Gómez, 2017;Wright, Day, & Howells, 2009). Each group session began with a 3-to 5-minute mindfulness exercise. ...
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Individuals on the autism spectrum experience difficulties in social relationships and emotion regulation. The aim of the present exploratory research study was to develop and explore the effectiveness of a manualized emotion regulation group intervention for autistic adults to improve emotion regulation and social communication. The group participants included seven young adults (age > 18 years) on the autism spectrum. Primary outcome measures were the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2) and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). Group participants reported significant improvements on the Social Communication and Interaction subscale (SCI; t = 2.601, p = .041), the Social Awareness (AWR; t = 3.163, p = .019), and the Social Cognition (COG; t = 4.861, p = .003) subscales of the SRS-2: Self Report. Overall, this study provides preliminary evidence of the effectiveness of a group treatment approach that focuses on emotion regulation to improve social interactions for young adults on the autism spectrum.
... Conduct problems or aggressive behavior are often related to difficulties in impulse control and anger regulation (Cole, Zahn-Waxler, Fox, Usher, & Welsh, 1996). It has recently been argued by different authors, that mindfulness enhances emotion regulation and that mindfulness can be helpful in the treatment of anger problems (Hill & Updegraf, 2012;Teper, Segal, & Inzlicht, 2013;Wright, Day, & Howells, 2009). Mindfulness can be described as a characteristic of a person that is related to his or her psychological state (Hill & Updegraff, 2012). ...
Article
The aim of this study was to test a model of second language (L2) boredom based on coping self-efficacy (CSE), foreign language enjoyment (FLE), and mindfulness among English as a foreign language (EFL) learners. In so doing, 456 EFL learners from Iran took part in this study by completing an online survey which included scales tapping into the four latent constructs under investigation. Two-step structural equation modelling was utilized to analyse the data and examine the associations among the constructs. Results revealed that CSE and mindfulness positively affected FLE. Also, FLE was a direct negative predictor of L2 boredom. Concerning the mediation hypotheses, FLE was found to fully mediate the effect of mindfulness on boredom. However, FLE was a partial mediator between CSE and boredom. These findings provide a basis for important implications for L2 research and practice.
Chapter
One solution to treatment of violence and aggression is to treat the individual aggressor or at least take the individual aggressor as the starting point for therapy. This chapter reviews cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), behavior modification, applied behavior analytic, and third wave behavioral interventions, such as acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, functional analytic psychotherapy, and mindfulness interventions. There is a very large quantity of research evaluating individual psychological treatments for many populations. This chapter focuses on these approaches which have very long histories, and so, informed by outcome data over the years, researchers have revised and refined these approaches and modified them for specific populations and contexts. Thus, the treatments with the best available support and that permit the most informed treatment and economic decisions are CBT and behavioral treatments. Although other approaches may be effective there may be much less evidence or they often lack evidence, and some approaches, such as catharsis, are known to be harmful.KeywordsAggressionViolencePsychotherapyCognitive behavior therapyBehavior modificationBehavior therapyApplied behavior analysisThird wave psychotherapyAcceptance and commitment therapyDialectical behavior therapyFunctional analytic psychotherapyMindfulness
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Background Anger rumination is consistently associated with maladaptive psychopathological outcomes. However, there is a lack of research on the association between problematic cannabis use, cannabis use motives and anger rumination. Coping motives showed positive relationships with negative affectivity and emotion dysregulation, thus it might be possible that coping motives can mediate the effects of hostility and anger rumination on problematic cannabis use. Aims The goal of the present study was to examine the mediating role of anger rumination and cannabis use motives on the relationship between hostility and problematic cannabis use. Methods The cross-sectional study used a convenience sample of 764 past year cannabis users with a risk for problematic cannabis use (Males: 70.42% [N=538], Age: M=29.24 [SD=7.55]). Standardized and online questionnaires measured problematic use and motives of cannabis use, anger rumination and hostility. Results Structural equation modelling was used to test the proposed mediation model. Four significant indirect effects were identified in the mediation model. The positive effect of hostility on cannabis use problems was mediated (i) via coping motives, (ii) via anger rumination, (iii) via anger rumination and coping motives, and (iv) via anger rumination and conformity motives. Conclusions The present study was the first that examined the construct of anger rumination in the context of cannabis use. Possible risk mechanisms via anger rumination and cannabis use motives with negative reinforcement were suggested in the context of problematic cannabis use. Self-medication tendencies and emotion dysregulation processes might explain these pathways.
Chapter
The practice of mindfulness has its roots in Eastern religions. Both Hinduism and Buddhism emphasize the need to be calm and to focus on the present moment. This concentration is called mindfulness. In the Indian subcontinent, there is a specific tradition for innovation and creativity that produces the best possible results, even among resources that are often sparse. This approach is called Jugaad. It is increasingly being used as a management technique. Companies in South Asia are adopting Jugaad as a practice to reduce research and development costs and use unconventional approaches to maximize resources for a company and its stakeholders. Tang (The leader’s guide to mindfulness. Pearson UK, Harlow, 2018) noted that mindfulness from a context of “jugaad” creativity or innovation allows individuals to enter a “childlike” state of creativity. Mindfulness promotes a directed awareness and allows one to look at problems or issues from different perspectives-not only from a client’s or customer’s perspective, but also from that of a “child”-encouraging further reflection. A mindfulness approach calms the mind before a creative or brainstorming session, which can foster insight and clear the mind for an “aha moment” in the “jugaad” innovation process. Often, a successful “jugaad” creative process requires breaking down psychological barriers in a team—e.g., fear of doing something wrong, fear of ideas being stolen by others. A mindful approach to such issues helps team members meditate and relax, creating a safer space for creative exploration, as these exercises can teach listening and acknowledgement of each individual. Also, the associated creativity and innovation process helps to understand the problem to be solved and generate ideas from it. The mindfulness approach promotes the flexibility and clarity needed for a “jugaad” approach (Tang, The leader’s guide to mindfulness. Pearson UK, Harlow, 2018). The following are the results of the Jugaad leadership survey conducted among managers in India. Managers felt that Jugaad leadership involves leading by example, appreciation and recognition. Also fundamental is leading with humility, openness to receiving feedback, and awareness of one’s own thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness also includes language and behavior, the ability to recognize people’s needs, and an intuition in situations that require change. All of these characteristics make it clear that the Jugaad leader is a mindful person and also show that he or she practices mindfulness while guiding, interacting with, and motivating his or her team members.
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The aim of this thesis is to investigate whether mindfulness-based group training is an effective alternative therapeutic intervention to use with Latino Immigrants to increase well-being. Latino immigrants are in need of alternative therapeutic approaches to address mental health care disparities among this population and the general population. Mindfulness-based training has recently been described as a promising alternative intervention for individuals seeking to increase their well-being and has the potential to serve as an alternative therapeutic service for this population. There has been a multitude of research showing the effectiveness of this modality, however there currently are no published studies documenting the benefits of mindfulness-based group training with Latino immigrants. Mindfulness-based group training is an evidenced-based non-drug, psychotherapeutic intervention approach aimed at increasing mental health and overall well-being among its participants. This study evaluated the impact of mindfulness-based group training with Latino immigrants who participated in 8-session structured groups. Researchers were specifically interested in looking at the impact this intervention had on participants’ depression, anxiety, perceived stress, self-compassion, and mindfulness trait. Forty-one individuals participated in this study. Researchers collected pre and post scores for 21 individuals and found that mindfulness-based group training significantly reduced depression, anxiety, and perceived stress, while also significantly increased self-compassion. These results show preliminary evidence for the use of mindfulness-based group training within the Latino immigrant community as a therapeutic alternative approach to increase well-being among this population. The findings from this research also help reinforce the notion that researchers and agencies should be looking at ways to increase community engagement in their practice and research practices, while also increasing their advocacy roles in their respective communities.
Article
Introduction: This is an overall review on mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs). Sources of data: We identified studies in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, AMED, Web of Science and Google Scholar using keywords including 'mindfulness', 'meditation', and 'review', 'meta-analysis' or their variations. Areas of agreement: MBIs are effective for improving many biopsychosocial conditions, including depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia, addiction, psychosis, pain, hypertension, weight control, cancer-related symptoms and prosocial behaviours. It is found to be beneficial in the healthcare settings, in schools and workplace but further research is warranted to look into its efficacy on different problems. MBIs are relatively safe, but ethical aspects should be considered. Mechanisms are suggested in both empirical and neurophysiological findings. Cost-effectiveness is found in treating some health conditions. Areas of controversy: Inconclusive or only preliminary evidence on the effects of MBIs on PTSD, ADHD, ASD, eating disorders, loneliness and physical symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. Furthermore, some beneficial effects are not confirmed in subgroup populations. Cost-effectiveness is yet to confirm for many health conditions and populations. Growing points: Many mindfulness systematic reviews and meta-analyses indicate low quality of included studies, hence high-quality studies with adequate sample size and longer follow-up period are needed. Areas timely for developing research: More research is needed on online mindfulness trainings and interventions to improve biopsychosocial health during the COVID-19 pandemic; Deeper understanding of the mechanisms of MBIs integrating both empirical and neurophysiological findings; Long-term compliance and effects of MBIs; and development of mindfulness plus (mindfulness+) or personalized mindfulness programs to elevate the effectiveness for different purposes.
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Anger is one of the most frequently experienced emotions. However, the extant research on the impact of anger has predominantly focused on its effect on decision making in simple decision tasks. Strategic decision making differs significantly from such tasks, as it is characterized by complexity, ambiguity, and a high information load. To better understand the impact of emotions on strategic decision making, we investigate the effect of anger on decision quality and decision speed. To do so, we carry out a strategy field experiment with 52 executives in which we use participants’ psychophysiological skin conductance response. In line with psychological research on non-strategic decisions, we find that anger negatively influences decision quality in strategic decision making. However, in contrast to predictions made by research on non-strategic decisions, we find no increase in decision speed among angry participants. We thus extend extant theory by suggesting that anger impacts the quality of strategic decisions but does not affect important process characteristics such as decision speed.
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Effective, evidence-based methods for the reduction of anger and aggression are limited. We propose that one potentially effective method for reducing anger and aggression involves the increase of affective states that have response tendencies that oppose anger and aggression. One affective state that may have such response tendencies is humility. In three studies, we tested the prediction that humility would be associated with less anger and aggressive motivation. Study 1 confirmed that individual differences in humility were significantly inversely associated with individual differences in anger and aggression, and predicted less anger and aggression independent of narcissism and other major personality traits derived from the HEXACO model. Studies 2 and 3 found that experimentally-induced humility significantly reduced the motivation to aggress. Results suggest that humility may reduce the approach motivational urges associated with experiences of anger (i.e., aggressive urges).
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The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of internalized shame and anger rumination on interpersonal problems and to identify the role of anger rumination as a mediator between internalized shame and interpersonal problems. The subjects of this study were 265 undergraduate and graduate students under age 30 in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do. The students were assessed with the short form of the KIIP Circumplex Scale(KIIP-SC), The Internalized Shame Scale(ISS), and The K-Anger Rumination Scale(K-ARS). As a result, internalized shame affected anger rumination and subtypes of interpersonal problems, obedience, attack and isolation. Anger rumination also affected attack and isolation, but no significant effect was found in obedience. In the results of the mediating effect, the mediating effect of anger rumination was significant for attack and isolation in the effect of internal shame on interpersonal relationships, but not for obedience. These results indicate that internalized shame is a personality trait that is closely related to interpersonal relationships, but the negative influence on interpersonal relationships differs according to cognitive processes. Thus, it is suggested that when helping patients or clients who complain of interpersonal problems in clinical and counseling situations, it is necessary to consider anger rumination with the shame underlying negative emotions.
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This study evaluated mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), a group intervention designed to train recovered recurrently depressed patients to disengage from dysphoria-activated depressogenic thinking that may mediate relapse/recurrence. Recovered recurrently depressed patients (n = 145) were randomized to continue with treatment as usual or, in addition, to receive MBCT. Relapse/recurrence to major depression was assessed over a 60-week study period. For patients with 3 or more previous episodes of depression (77% of the sample), MBCT significantly reduced risk of relapse/recurrence. For patients with only 2 previous episodes, MBCT did not reduce relapse/recurrence. MBCT offers a promising cost-efficient psychological approach to preventing relapse/recurrence in recovered recurrently depressed patients.
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Syndromal classification is a well-developed diagnostic system but has failed to deliver on its promise of the identification of functional pathological processes. Functional analysis is tightly connected to treatment but has failed to develop testable, replicable classification systems. Functional diagnostic dimensions are suggested as a way to develop the functional classification approach, and experiential avoidance is described as 1 such dimension. A wide range of research is reviewed showing that many forms of psychopathology can be conceptualized as unhealthy efforts to escape and avoid emotions, thoughts, memories, and other private experiences. It is argued that experiential avoidance, as a functional diagnostic dimension, has the potential to integrate the efforts and findings of researchers from a wide variety of theoretical paradigms, research interests, and clinical domains and to lead to testable new approaches to the analysis and treatment of behavioral disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
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Four studies with 256 undergraduates showed that positive affect, induced in any of 3 ways, influenced categorization of either of 2 types of stimuli—words or colors. As reflected by performance on 2 types of tasks (rating and sorting), Ss in whom positive affect had been induced tended to create and use categories more inclusively than did Ss in a control condition. On one task, they tended to group more stimuli together, and on the other task they tended to rate more low-prototypic exemplars of a category as members of the category. Results are interpreted in terms of an influence of affect on cognitive organization or on processes that might influence cognitive organization. It is suggested that borderline effects of negative affect on categorization, obtained in 2 of the studies, might result from normal people's attempts to cope with negative affect. (32 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
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Social skill and cognitive-relaxation interventions for general-anger reduction were compared with a no-treatment control in a pretreatment, posttreatment, and 5-week-follow-up design. By follow-up, treatment groups reported significantly less general anger, lowered tendencies to suppress or exhibit general anger, and lowered state anger and greater constructive coping in an analogue provocation than did the control group. Cognitive-relaxation subjects reported significantly less personal-situational anger than did control subjects. Social skills subjects did not differ from either group on this measure. Cognitive-relaxation subjects also perceived their treatment as significantly more helpful than did social skills subjects. No group differences were found for physical and verbal antagonism in the analogue, though these measures were low in the initial assessment, or for trait anxiety, anger-related physiological reactivity, or daily anger intensities, though the latter approached significance ( p 
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This chapter focuses on the role of meditation and mindfulness in clinical therapy, and on how meditation as part of the therapeutic process relates to spiritual growth and development. Definitions and types of meditation practice are discussed, followed by a brief review of theories about how meditation may work. Various applications and examples of meditation practice are reviewed, along with specific instructions on how to implement them in clinical practice. In the final section, research designed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of meditation is reviewed, along with a discussion of future trends. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
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Purpose. Despite increasing evidence that anger may play a contributing role in the violent behaviour of psychiatric patients, as yet there is a dearth of evidence concerning the utility of anger control treatment procedures with this population. This paper describes the development and preliminary evaluation of an anger treatment protocol modified to meet the needs of secure hospital patients. Method. Four patients having recurrent problems of anger and aggression were provided with anger control treatment based on the new protocol. Evaluation of the intervention was based on clinical assessments and by quantified structured interviews obtained post-treatment with each patient's psychiatrist, key worker, and day-care worker. Results. Therapist assessment and clinical staff ratings testifiy to modest but significant treatment gains for patients. Experience from clinical implementation highlights key issues in treatment process and institutional system integration for achieving efficacy. Conclusions. The results support the application of anger control treatment procedures to severely disordered psychiatric patients in a forensic institution. Given the preliminary nature of this evidence, and in the absence of a controlled clinical trial, continued work is needed on treatment and research protocols.
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The current literature on psychopathology and anger suggests that both contribute to interpersonal violence. The present study examined psychopathology and anger expression with two objectives to confirm previous distinctions of personality type among abusive individuals and to examine the relation between these types and anger. Cluster analysis was conducted with data gathered from 40 subjects. Results suggested confirmation of four clusters of interpersonal violence offenders. Furthermore, the most pathological cluster type reported the highest level of total anger experience, while the histrionic cluster type reported the lowest anger expression. These results provide tentative support for a positive relationship between psychopathology and anger, as well as for the distinction between overcontrolled and undercontrolled anger as subtypes of interpersonal violence offenders.
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We included 50 between-group studies with control groups and 7 studies with only within-group data in a meta-analysis of adult anger treatments. Overall, we examined 92 treatment interventions that incorporated 1,841 subjects. Results showed that subjects who received treatment showed significant and moderate improvement compared to untreated subjects and a large amount of improvement when compared to pretest scores. In the group of controlled studies significant heterogeneity of variance and significant differences among effect sizes for different dependent variable categories were found. Anger interventions produced reductions in the affect of anger, reductions in aggressive behaviors, and increases in positive behaviors. An analysis of follow-up data suggested that treatment gains were maintained.
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This article reviews the role of nonspecific treatment factors in cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) for depression. An analysis of relevant studies reveals that the majority of symptomatic improvement in CBT occurs prior to the formal introduction of cognitive restructuring techniques. This suggests that other, likely nonspecific, treatment factors play a large role in mediating clinical improvement. Nonspecific factors are hypothesized to ameliorate patients’ feelings of hopelessness at the beginning of treatment, a process that catalyzes improvement across other depressive symptoms. Reviewed evidence supports a mediation role for the hopelessness construct in CBT. Two nonspecific factors, the treatment rationale and the assignment of homework, appear integral to early symptomatic improvement. The role of cognitive techniques is discussed in light of these findings.
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Interventions based on training in mindfulness skills are becoming increasingly popular. Mindfulness involves intentionally bringing one's attention to the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment, and is often taught through a variety of meditation exercises. This review summarizes conceptual approaches to mind-fulness and empirical research on the utility of mindfulness-based interventions. Meta-analytic techniques were incorporated to facilitate quantification of findings and comparison across studies. Although the current empirical literature includes many methodological flaws, findings suggest that mindfulness-based interventions may be helpful in the treatment of several disorders. Methodologically sound investigations are recommended in order to clarify the utility of these interventions.
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There has been substantial interest in mindfulness as an approach to reduce cognitive vulnerability to stress and emotional distress in recent years. However, thus far mindfulness has not been defined operationally. This paper describes the results of recent meetings held to establish a consensus on mindfulness and to develop conjointly a testable operational definition. We propose a two-component model of mindfulness and specify each component in terms of specific behaviors, experiential manifestations, and implicated psychological processes. We then address issues regarding temporal stability and situational specificity and speculate on the conceptual and operational distinctiveness of mindfulness. We conclude this paper by discussing implications for instrument development and briefly describing our own approach to measurement.
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive-behavioral treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) that is based on the theory that emotion dysregulation is the core feature of BPD. This article focuses on aspects of DBT theory and techniques that specifically address emotion. The dialectical and biosocial theories that underlie DBT are reviewed with an emphasis on how each relates to emotional experiencing in BPD. Selected treatment strategies that address emotion dysregulation and their hypothesized mechanisms of change are also described. Relevant research findings are incorporated throughout to provide an empirical foundation for the DBT theories and strategies that are discussed.
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While the emotion of anger has become an increasingly important part of clinical assessment, the theoretical and psychometric adequacy of the instruments used to assess anger and hostility have long been questioned. In the present review, we first provide definitions of anger and hostility in order to provide a theoretical context from which to evaluate the scope of current measures of these constructs. Second, we review the major self-report scales used to assess anger and hostility in light of these definitions and provide a detailed evaluation of psychometric evidence concerning their reliability and validity. Finally, we offer specific recommendations concerning how anger and hostility assessment instruments can be improved and expanded. In particular, we note the need for (a) an expansion of anger assessment methods beyond traditional endorsement approaches, (b) scales to assess specific domains of anger experience, (c) scales that assess unique content domains of anger experience and expressions, such as spouse-specific or driving-related anger scales, and (d) scales that assess the clinical aspects of the anger construct.
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The meta-analysis of the treatment outcome studies of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for anger-related problems in children and adolescents included 21 published and 19 unpublished reports. The mean effect size (Cohen's d=0.67) was in the medium range and consistent with the effects of psychotherapy with children in general. The differential effects of skills training, problem solving, affective education, and multimodal interventions (d=0.79, 0.67, 0.36, and 0.74, respectively) were variable although also generally in the medium range. Skills training and multimodal treatments were more effective in reducing aggressive behavior and improving social skills. However, problem-solving treatments were more effective in reducing subjective anger experiences. Modeling, feedback, and homework techniques were positively related to the magnitude of effect size.
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The Anger Rumination Scale was constructed to measure the tendency to focus attention on angry moods, recall past anger experiences, and think about the causes and consequences of anger episodes. Principal axis analysis demonstrated a four factor structure of the scale, which was also supported with a subsequent confirmatory factor analysis. The Anger Rumination Scale was demonstrated to have adequate internal consistency and one month test-retest reliability. The convergent and discriminant validity of the scale were supported by an expected pattern of correlations between the Anger Rumination Scale and the measures of anger experience, anger expression, negative affectivity, emotional attention, satisfaction with life, and social desirability. Normative data is provided for a sample of 408 college-age men and women.
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Positive emotions are hypothesized to undo the cardiovascular aftereffects of negative emotions. Study 1 tests this undoing effect. Participants (n = 170) experiencing anxiety-induced cardiovascular reactivity viewed a film that elicited (a) contentment, (b) amusement, (c) neutrality, or (d) sadness. Contentment-eliciting and amusing films produced faster cardiovascular recovery than neutral or sad films did. Participants in Study 2 (n = 185) viewed these same films following a neutral state. Results disconfirm the alternative explanation that the undoing effect reflects a simple replacement process. Findings are contextualized by Fredrickson's broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions (B. L. Fredrickson, 1998).
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Previous research has found that self-focused rumination maintains or increases depressed mood, whereas distraction decreases depressed mood (S. Nolen-Hoeksema & J. Morrow, 1993; S. Nolen-Hoeksema, J. Morrow, & B. L. Fredrickson, 1993). The present series of experiments examined these mood regulation strategies in the context of an angry mood. In Experiments 1 and 3, rumination increased anger, whereas distraction decreased or had no effect on anger. In Experiments 2 and 4, women were more likely to choose to ruminate when in a neutral mood but to distract themselves following induction of an angry mood. Men were equally likely to choose rumination or distraction, regardless of mood condition. The results are interpreted and discussed within the framework of an associative-network model of anger.
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Clinical interventions for anger disorders have been scarcely addressed in both theory and research in psychotherapy. The development of a cognitive behavior therapy approach to anger management is described, along with the results of its application of a 38-yr-old male hospitalized depressive with severe anger problems. The treatment approach follows a procedure called "stress inoculation," which consists of 3 basic stages: cognitive preparation, skill acquisition and rehearsal, and application practice. Pretreatment assessment of S's proneness to provocation by means of an anger inventory resulted in a score of 301; at discharge, after 3½ wks of treatment, the score was 258. The relationship between anger and depression is discussed. (47 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
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A distinction is made between metacognitive knowledge (knowing that thoughts are not necessarily always accurate) and metacognitive insight (experiencing thoughts as events in the field of awareness, rather than as direct readouts on reality). This distinction, and its relevance to preventing relapse and recurrence in depression, is examined within the Interacting Cognitive Subsystems (ICS) theoretical framework. This analysis suggests, as an alternative to cognitive therapy with its focus on changing the content of depression-related thought, the strategy of changing the configuration, or mode, within which depression-related thoughts and feelings are processed, i.e. changing one's relationship to inner experience. Specifically, facilitating a metacognitive insight mode, in which thoughts are experienced simply as events in the mind, offers an alternative preventative strategy. Mindfulness training teaches skills to enter this mode, and forms a central component of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, a novel, cost-efficient group preventative programme, for which there is encouraging evidence of effectiveness. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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This article outlines several therapeutic issues in working with angry clients and provides a conceptual framework for understanding, assessing, and treating them. Cognitive-behavioral interventions addressing different elements of the problematic anger are then described. However, it was emphasized that careful attention must be paid to unique client characteristics, to their stage of readiness for change, and to the therapeutic relationship and alliance ii therapeutic impasses are to be minimized and successful application of cognitive-behavioral strategies is to be maximized. These issues and strategies are clarified in the specifics of two difficult cases. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons. Inc.
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Howard Beale, veteran anchorman of the Universal Broadcasting Company, became the mad prophet of the movie, Network, as he implored television audiences across the nation: So, I know you’ve been bugged. You’ve got to get mad. You’ve got to say, “I’m a human being, damn it! My life has value!” So, I want you to get up now. I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up right now and go to the window, open it, and stick your head out and yell, “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!” Things have got to change, but first, you’ve got to get mad. It seems that Howard Beale has touched a nerve when he enjoins us to revolt against the adversities of everyday living.
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We included 50 between-group studies with control groups and 7 studies with only within-group data in a meta-analysis of adult anger treatments. Overall, we examined 92 treatment interventions that incorporated 1,841 subjects. Results showed that subjects who received treatment showed significant and moderate improvement compared to untreated subjects and a large amount of improvement when compared to pretest scores. In the group of controlled studies significant heterogeneity of variance and significant differences among effect sizes for different dependent variable categories were found. Anger interventions produced reductions in the affect of anger, reductions in aggressive behaviors, and increases in positive behaviors. An analysis of follow-up data suggested that treatment gains were maintained.
Chapter
Anger and aggression are prevalent problems among people with developmental disabilities and constitute primary reasons for them to be admitted and re-admitted to institutions. They are also a key reason for the prescribing of behaviour control and anti-psychotic medication to this client group. Stimulated by growing research in this area, mental health and criminal justice professionals have begun to see the benefits of anger assessment and cognitive-behavioural anger treatment for people with developmental disabilities. There is no prior text to guide anger treatment provision to this client group. This text presents a manual-guided cognitive-behavioural anger treatment protocol, grounded in a solid theoretical framework and empirical evidence for its efficacy in clinical practice. The assessment and treatment approach is designed to engage and motivate patients with recurrent and deep-rooted anger problems and their manifestation in serious aggressive behaviour. Accompanying the treatment protocol are a number of worksheets, handouts, and exercise sheets for clinicians and clients that can be accessed online.
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Implications of current theory and research on anger are considered for two issues of clinical and social import: (1) how anger can be most effectively discharged or modified; (2) the psychological and somatic effects of coping with anger. The shift from an internal-drive model of anger to a stimulus-linked model has major consequences for the reduction of anger. Cognitive features of a frustrating or provocative stimulus, such as expectancies, perceived intentionality, responsibility, and enhancement of self-esteem and the fostering of responses incompatible with anger, provide important avenues for anger intervention without direct anger expression. With regard to the second issue, there is substantial evidence that suppressed anger is linked to elevations in blood pressure, while frequently expressed anger is linked to coronary malfunctioning. However, the absence of anger is seen as having negative psychological consequences. Anger in moderation appears to be the ideal psychosomatic resolution.
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The emotion of anger is clearly important as an antecedent for many forms of violence. In this article I describe some contemporary influential psychological ideas about the nature of anger and its links with aggressive and violent behaviour. I also describe the application of such ideas to therapeutic interventions with violent offenders in the form of 'anger management' and similar programmes. I review the evidence for and against the effectiveness of these interventions and make suggestions as to how outcomes, including reductions in reoffending, might be improved. Finally, I propose that a broader approach is needed for the future. Interventions to reduce anger-related violence need to focus on the psychological readiness of the client, on developing a broader theoretical orientation and on primary prevention.
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Anger has come to be recognized as a significantsocial problem worthy of clinical attention andsystematic research. In the last two decades,cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has emerged as themost common approach to anger management. Theoverall efficacy of this treatment has not beenascertained, and therefore, it was decided to conduct ameta-analysis of this literature. Based on 50 studiesincorporating 1,640 subjects, it was found that CBT produceda grand mean weighted effect size of .70, indicatingthat the average CBT recipient was better off than 76%of untreated subjects in terms of anger reduction. This effect was statistically significant,robust, and relatively homogeneous across studies. Thesefindings represent a quantitative integration of 20years of research into a coherent picture of theefficacy of CBT for anger management. The results alsoserve as an impetus for continued research on thetreatment of anger.
Article
Adolescents requiring residential treatment for substance abuse frequently experience problems with anger control. Specialized group anger management training was developed in a residential treatment center for adolescents, both male and female, with substance abuse problems. The methods used include cognitive behavioral techniques for reduction of arousal, self-monitoring, stress inoculation, and self-reinforcement. Effects were measured pre-waiting list, pre-treatment, and post-treatment, using Novaco's Anger Inventory and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory. The data indicate results for this group considerably beyond that normally expected from the regular treatment program. We conclude these methods to be effective with a challenging population and economical in residential treatment both for intervention and program evaluation.
Article
The major aim of this chapter is to show how the development and occurrence of human aggressive behavior are explained by the social-cognitive information processing theory, and to review the empirical evidence supporting the theory. Artificially intelligent programs like “Deep Blue” do not succeed in solving complex problems simply because they can compute very rapidly. They succeed because they also incorporate models of the way in which human experts process information to solve problems. Different theories of social behavior may use different levels of explanation within this hierarchy, but generally, most theories adopt a level analogous to programming in a high-level computer language. Information processing models of social cognition have drawn on empirical knowledge about human cognition and human social behavior to define a set of basic processes and data structures that seem to characterize human cognitions about social behavior. The chapter discusses three important facts about anger and aggressive behavior in humans before proceeding with an elaboration of the role of social cognition. It further discusses that two general cognitive/information processing models have emerged to explain how humans acquire and maintain aggressive habits.
Article
provide a comprehensive quantitative review of the psychotherapy outcome literature on anger / provides much needed clarity about which programs work, which do not, and which strategies have not yet been examined by researchers / begins with a description of the methods used in creating the quantitative review on meta-analysis / a vignette of a client with an anger problem is then presented, along with several questions that may arise for clinicians treating such a case / the rest of the chapter is organized around different therapeutic approaches that may be useful when working with anger-disordered clients each treatment approach is reviewed in 2 ways / first, the application of the treatment to help the client with his anger problem is briefly discussed; then, where available, an examination of the controlled outcome research for that approach is reviewed / limitations of the present state of anger research are discussed, as well as implications for clinical practice / the following treatments are reviewed: cognitive therapies; relaxation-based therapies; skills training therapies; exposure-based treatments; cathartic treatment; and multicomponent treatments (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)
Article
A distinction is made between metacognitive knowledge (knowing that thoughts are not necessarily always accurate) and metacognitive insight (experiencing thoughts as events in the field of awareness, rather than as direct readouts on reality). This distinction, and its relevance to preventing relapse and recurrence in depression, is examined within the Interacting Cognitive Subsystems (ICS) theoretical framework. This analysis suggests, as an alternative to cognitive therapy with its focus on changing the content of depression-related thought, the strategy of changing the configuration, or mode, within which depression-related thoughts and feelings are processed, i.e. changing one's relationship to inner experience. Specifically, facilitating a metacognitive insight mode, in which thoughts are experienced simply as events in the mind, offers an alternative preventative strategy. Mindfulness training teaches skills to enter this mode, and forms a central component of Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy, a novel, cost-efficient group preventative programme, for which there is encouraging evidence of effectiveness. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Social Representations of AngerSome Questions about Appraisal Analyses of AngerAnger Experience and BehaviorConclusion References
Article
Work stress, burnout, and diminished empathy are prevalent issues for health‐care professionals. Mindfulness meditation (MM) is one commonly used strategy to manage stress. Measuring salivary cortisol allows for the assessment of serum cortisol level, a known stress level indicator. This study evaluated the association of subject‐reported stress symptoms and salivary cortisol in health‐care professionals, in an 8‐week MM program, with data collected prospectively at baseline and 8 weeks after program completion. Questionnaires [Profile of Mood States—Short Form (POMS‐SF), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI)] measured mood, burnout and empathy. A paired t ‐test between groups for pre/post‐salivary cortisol yielded no significant change. The POMS‐SF was most sensitive to change (mean increase 12.4; p = 0.020). Emotional exhaustion, measured in the MBI, was also affected by MM (mean decrease 4.54; p = 0.001). Changes in empathy may not have been captured due to either absence of effect of MM on empathy, subject number or scale sensitivity. Baseline and 8‐week correlations between salivary cortisol and survey results, and correlations between changes in these measures, were weak and not statistically significant. Nevertheless, psychometric results present a strong case for additional clinical trials of MM to reduce stress for health‐care professionals. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.