Effectiveness of an anger control program among veterans with PTSD and other mental health issues: A comparative study

J Clin Psychol. 2018 Sep;74(9):1422-1430. doi: 10.1002/jclp.22631. Epub 2018 Apr 26.

Abstract

Objective: This study examines the effectiveness of an anger management program among veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health issues.

Method: Veterans with (n = 76) and without (n = 58) PTSD completed anger management groups at the Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Self-rated checklists of anger and PTSD symptoms (for those with PTSD) were completed before and after the group.

Results: Significant improvement in anger was observed in the overall sample (p < .001) but did not differ based on PTSD diagnosis. No significant PTSD symptom changes were observed.

Conclusions: Veterans with broad mental health concerns benefited significantly from this anger management program, consistent with prior research. Implications for program improvement and future research are discussed.

Keywords: PTSD; anger; military; rage; veterans.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anger Management Therapy / standards*
  • Checklist
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health*
  • Middle Aged
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology*
  • Veterans / psychology*