Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Date of Award

2016

Format

.pdf

Degree Level

Ph.D.

LCSH subject

Anger--Case studies.

ISBN

9781369396317

Proquest Document ID

1845308991

Identifier

EDT2016Swope

School/University

St. Mary's University (San Antonio, Texas). Department of Counseling.

Size or duration

1 online resource (ix, 173 pages)

Document Type

Dissertation

First Advisor

Tubbs, Carolyn Y.

Second Advisor

Henderson, Howard

Third Advisor

Montilla, Esteban

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between trauma, attachment styles, and treatment outcomes among violent offenders attending a group cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based anger management program. Using a mixed method, multiple case study design, the researcher examined the individual experiences of seven individuals court-mandated to attend a community-based anger management program. Semi-structured interviews were utilized to develop the participant narratives used in the qualitative analyses. Participant scores on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Questionnaire, the Experience in Close Relationships (ECR-R) Questionnaire, and the Novaco Anger Scale (NAS) provided quantitative measures of trauma history, attachment style, and anger disposition. The results of the study indicated a predominance of insecure attachment and trauma among the participants, as well as non-clinical levels of anger disposition. The study findings suggest that psychometric screening for clinical levels of anger disposition, attachment style, and trauma history may improve the understanding and therefore the treatment of violent or aggressive behavior. The results also suggest that client interviews focused on the context of the violent behavior, trauma, and family of origin can greatly inform the interpretation of psychometric measures, and lead to consideration of alternative and adjunct treatment interventions.

Download

Share

COinS