The effectiveness of group psychoeducational therapy on outpatients for increased anger management

Abstract

The effectiveness of a group psychoeducational therapy approach to assess anger management was researched. A pilot anger management program at a mental health facility ran for eight weeks, two hours a week. It involved nine outpatient participants selected from referrals made by organizations in the community. During the group sessions, participants recorded their own perceptions of their anger using a questionnaire designed specifically for this project. These questionnaires were administered during the first and final sessions. The questionnaires were analyzed to determine if the sessions were effective in reducing the participant's perceived level of anger. Clinical observations were documented by the therapists to assess changes in the anger management skills of the participants. Statistically significant improvements in anger management skills were identified and all members of the group felt that they benefited from the group sessions and could approach their anger in a more appropriate manner. The findings are deemed to support the use of outpatient group psychoeducational anger management. A detailed description of the educational component of the program is offered.