Reilly, P. M., & Shopshire, M. S. (2000). Anger management group treatment for cocaine dependence: Preliminary outcomes. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 26(2), 161-177.

Type of Study: One group pretest-posttest design
Number of Participants: 91

Population:

• Age — 18 years and older
• Race/Ethnicity — 58% African American, 31% Caucasian, 6% Hispanic, 3% Asian, and 2% Other
• Gender — 59 Males and 32 Females
• Status — Participants were men and women with anger control problems who were receiving substance abuse treatment at two clinics.

Location/Institution: Two clinics in San Francisco, CA

Summary: (To include comparison groups, outcomes, measures, notable limitations)
The study examined the Anger Management Group Treatment Model delivered in conjunction with two substance abuse treatment programs. Levels of anger, negative affect, and anger control were measured at baseline, weekly during treatment, and at 3-month posttreatment follow-up. Participants completed self-report measures of affect and violence at weeks 1, 4, 8, 12, and 24. Measures used included the Total Mood Disturbance scale of the Profile of Mood States (POMS), State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), and the Assaultive Behavior Survey (ABS). Results indicate that levels of anger decreased and anger control increased between baseline and the end of treatment. End-of-treatment changes were maintained at follow-up. Study limitations included lack of a control or comparison group, lack of randomization, and the high drop-out rate.

Length of postintervention follow-up: 3 months.

Morland, L., Mauldin, P. D., Rosen, C., Frueh, C., Reilly, P. M., Qimei, H., & Shore, J. (2010). Telemedicine for anger management treatment with a rural PTSD population: A randomized noninferiority trial. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 71(7), 855-863.

Type of Study: Randomized controlled trial
Number of Participants: 125

Population:

• Age — Mean=55 years
• Race/Ethnicity — 33% Caucasian, 33% Pacific Islander, 27% Asian, and 7% Other
• Gender — 100% Male
• Status — Participants were rural combat veterans with PTSD.

Location/Institution: Three Veterans Affairs outpatient clinics

Summary: (To include comparison groups, outcomes, measures, notable limitations)
The study evaluated the effectiveness of the Anger Management Group Treatment Model delivered in two different formats. Participants were randomly assigned to receive anger management training with a therapist in-person or via video conferencing. Measures used included the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory -2 (STAXI-2) and the Novaco Anger Scale (NAS-T) at baseline, midtreatment, posttreatment, and at 3 and 6-month follow-ups. Results indicate that participants in both groups showed significant and clinically meaningful reductions in anger symptoms. No significant between-group differences were noted except higher group therapy alliance was reported for the in-person group. Limitations of the study include the lack of a no treatment or treatment as usual control group.

Length of postintervention follow-up: 6 months.