engleski

“Leave the Anger Behind Bars” – Computerized CBT for Excessive Anger in Prisoners – preliminary report

Anger is a frequent problem in the prison population. Inmates score significantly higher on anger measures compared to the general population. In addition, it has been shown that anger levels rise as the sentence progresses. Deficits in emotional self-regulation are one of the risk factors for criminal recidivism. CBT- based programs are shown to be effective in reducing anger and are therefore commonly used with inmates. However, there is a shortage of qualified practitioners in the penal system. Computerized treatments offer a possible way to overcome this obstacle. Such programs are shown to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions, but computerized treatments for excessive anger, especially for the inmate population, are scarce. As part of a project funded by the government of the Republic of Croatia, we adapted the standard CBT treatment for excessive anger into an Android application for computer tablets. Cognitive-behavioral techniques, such as psycho-education, cognitive restructuring, problem-solving, relaxation, and time-out were adapted for the prison population. Treatment consists of 9 mandatory weekly topics (sessions) and 5 optional topics (mindfulness, anger towards children, communication techniques, using humor and mood management). Topic structure was based on the typical CBT session structure. Case vignettes, exercises and homework assignments were especially adapted for inmates. Special attention was given to developing and maintaining participation motivation using token economy. Users collect points for activities in the application, which they may exchange for different rewards, such as playing computer games, reading jokes or magazine articles. The application was preliminarily tested for acceptability with a small convenient sample of participants. Preliminary results show that computerized CBT for excessive anger in prisoners is useful, comprehensible and fun to use. The application is currently being used and evaluated by male inmates in three correctional facilities in Croatia. Pilot testing of the application is planned with a total of 100 prisoners, with 50 of them comprising a wait- list control group.

computerized CBT, anger management, prison, inmates, penal system

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