NCJ Number
105256
Journal
Social Casework Volume: 67 Issue: 1 Dated: (1986) Pages: 55-60
Date Published
1986
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The use of anger control groups with couples involved in the cycle of domestic violence has reduced or eliminated such violence.
Abstract
Each group is limited to 14 to 16 members. Couples are encouraged to participate together, but individual spouses are admitted to the group. The group meets weekly for 2 1/2 hours over 10 weeks. The sessions with couples are guided by a male-female therapist team. A portion of each session involves the separation of the men and women under the supervision of a therapist of the same sex. A portion of the session with couples consists of instruction in techniques for controlling and expressing anger. Techniques taught include 'time-out,' consummatory habits and stress, self-talk and cognitive realignment, assertion and listening, correction of others diplomatically, and dealing with the anger of others. Various anger control skills are practiced in the sessions. The techniques are intended to interrupt the violence cycle, which consists of mutual dependency, a noxious event, the coercion exchange, the 'last-straw' decision, primitive rage, the withdrawal phase, and the repentance phase. Forty-seven persons who recently completed training in a group had significantly fewer arguments, displayed significantly lower anger intensity when provoked, and rated their marriages significantly more satisfactory than before training. Fifteen couples responded to a followup survey 8 months later. Eight of the couples were free of violence, and five couples had engaged in one to four minor physical incidents. 2 tables and 18 footnotes.