An application of cognitive-behavioral anger management training in a military/occupational setting: Efficacy and demographic factors

Abstract

Objective: This treatment outcome study evaluated the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral psychoeducational anger management training application offered in a military/occupational setting. Additionally, demographic factors were analyzed to identify any relationship among age, gender, occupational/educational status, and anger subscale scores or treatment effects. Method: The State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory was used as a pretest/post-test measure for 91 total participants in a series of four-session cognitive behavioral anger management training groups conducted through Francis E. Warren Air Force Base mental health clinic over an 18-month period. Results: Significant improvements (p < 0.05) on all State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory anger scales were noted for the 46 participants who completed the program. Post hoc comparisons of demographic factors yielded no significant differences. Conclusions: The results are consistent with previously published findings insofar as the intervention was effective in reducing self-reported anger as measured by the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory. The present study affirms the efficacy of a brief cognitive-behavioral psychoeducational approach to treat problem anger in a noncontrolled community/ occupational sample.