Shepherd, Gary ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8178-1141 and Cant, Matthew (2020) Difficult to change? The differences between successful and not-so-successful participation on anger management groups. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 20 (2). pp. 214-223.

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Abstract

Background: Although much is known about the importance of participation on anger management programmes, little has been written on the differences in phenomenological experience between successful and unsuccessful participants on such courses. Research Aim: This research aimed to explore the reported differences in experiences between men who had succeeded in reducing their angry behaviours and men who had been less successful. Method: Phenomenological research was carried out using data from the weekly ‘check-in’ process of six male participants enrolled on one of two 10-week mindfulness-based anger management programmes. The data was analysed using Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Key Findings: Men who had successfully managed to lower their anger developed an improved bodily awareness, the ability to de-escalate others and possessed a determination to continue the course ‘homework’ exercises. Men who were less successful seemed to be in ‘emotionally stuck’ states, found it difficult to change their perceptions of threatening situations and had problems continuing their homework practice. Conclusion: Men who struggle to manage their anger may have deeper developmental issues preventing them from changing their angry responses. The authors recommend that in order to help such men, new anger theory and practice be developed based on the notion of maladaptive narcissism.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	"This is the peer reviewed version of the following article: Shepherd, Gary and Cant, Matthew (2019) Difficult to change? The differences between successful and not-so-successful participation on anger management groups. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research which has been published in final form at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/capr.12276 This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Self-Archiving."
Status:	Published
DOI:	10.1002/capr.12276
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF637 Counselling
School/Department:	School of Education, Language and Psychology
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/3925

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