NCJ Number
246732
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 19 Issue: 2 Dated: March/April 2014 Pages: 156-163
Date Published
April 2014
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper presents the results of a literature review of studies that examined the potential for using dialectical behavior therapy for the treatment of anger and aggressive behavior.
Abstract
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is defined as a cognitive- behavioral therapy designed to treat women with borderline personality disorder and self-harm or suicidal behaviors. This paper presents the results of a review of studies that have examined the potential for DBT as a treatment for anger and aggressive behavior among various targeted populations. The review found 21 peer-reviewed articles that assessed the effects of DBT on anger and aggressive behavior outside and within the context of borderline personality disorder. Many of the studies made changes to the DBT to accommodate the various populations. The review also found 8 studies in which the DBT interventions significantly reduced overall scores on measures of anger and/or aggressive behavior and 10 studies where the DBT significantly reduced overall scores on anger and aggressive behavior within the context of borderline personality disorder. The results of randomized control trials were also evaluated to determine the effect of DBT on anger and aggressive behavior, with similar results. These findings suggest that treatments based on DBT can have a positive impact on reducing anger and aggressive behaviors, even when modified for specific populations. Study limitations and implications for future research are discussed. Table and references