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Current Approaches to the Assessment and Management of Anger and Aggression in Youth: A Review
Author(s) -
Blake Christie S.,
Hamrin Vanya
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of child and adolescent psychiatric nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.331
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1744-6171
pISSN - 1073-6077
DOI - 10.1111/j.1744-6171.2007.00102.x
Subject(s) - anger , anger management , aggression , cognitive restructuring , prosocial behavior , psychology , clinical psychology , psychological intervention , cognition , medline , poison control , mental health , developmental psychology , medicine , psychotherapist , psychiatry , environmental health , political science , law
BACKGROUND: Anger and its expression represent a major public health problem for children and adolescents today. Prevalence reports show that anger‐related problems such as oppositional behavior, verbal and physical aggression, and violence are some of the more common reasons children are referred for mental health services.METHODS: An extensive review of the literature was conducted using the following online search engines: Cochrane, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and PubMed. Published and unpublished articles that met the following criteria were included in the review: (a) experimental or quasi‐experimental research designs; (b) nonpharmacologic, therapy‐based interventions; and (c) study participants between 5 and 17 years of age.RESULTS: Cognitive‐behavioral and skills‐based approaches are the most widely studied and empirically validated treatments for anger and aggression in youth. Commonly used therapeutic techniques include affective education, relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, problem‐solving skills, social skills training, and conflict resolution. These techniques, tailored to the individual child's and/or family's needs, can foster the development of more adaptive and prosocial behavior.