Research review on anger in psychotherapy

Abstract

This article selectively reviews clinically relevant research on the theory and treatment of anger. Anger is first defined, within the context of emotion theory, as the cognitive, behavioral, physiological, experiential, and social manifestations of a central nervous system process. The theories and techniques used to treat anger from several theoretical perspectives are then evaluated, making conceptual links to a basic affective model. We then review research on the treatment of anger in clinical populations (aggressive adults and children, clients with post-traumatic stress disorder, and clients with cardiovascular disease). We conclude with a discussion of anger suppression and inhibition.