Cognitive behavioural treatment for anger in adults with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: The cognitive behavioural treatment for anger in adults with intellectual disabilities has received increasing interest. The current study aims to review the current literature and provide a meta-analysis.

Method: A literature search found 12 studies eligible for the quality appraisal. The studies examined cognitive behavioural treatment for anger in adults with intellectual disabilities published since 1999. Nine studies were eligible to be included in the meta-analysis.

Results: The meta-analysis revealed large uncontrolled effect sizes for the treatment for anger in adults with intellectual disabilities, but is viewed with caution due to low sample sizes. The narrative review showed improved methodological quality of the literature.

Conclusions: The emerging literature is encouraging. However, it is limited through concatenated data, a lack of comparative control groups and small study samples.