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Anger Management CBT Worksheets

Frustration, irritation, and anger are normal human emotions. We often feel angry when our goals are thwarted, or when we perceive that others are taking advantage of us. Anger can be a problem if it is experienced too frequently, too intensely, or if the modes through which an individual expresses their angry feelings include aggression or violence.Frameworks for understanding anger, and techniques for working with it effectively are an essential part of every clinician’s toolbox. This collection of resources has been designed to help your clients to recognize their anger, and to understand the thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions that are precipitating or perpetuating their angry responses. There are also resources for acting assertively and forgiving oneself or others.

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What Is Anger?

Signs and Symptoms of Anger

Anger is an emotional response that is associated with a spectrum of other physiological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physical signs associated with anger include muscle tension, including a clenched jaw, increased heart rate, sweating, headache, or dizziness. Emotions associated with anger may include frustration, irritation, anxiety, guilt, or shame. Behaviors associated with anger can span a spectrum from expressive (e.g., raising your voice, being sarcastic or abrasive) to inhibitory (e.g., withdrawing, focusing internally).

Psychological Models and Theory of Anger

In 1975 Raymond Novaco published an influential analysis of the functions and regulation of anger. He described anger as having the following functions:

  • an energizing function which increases the vigor with which we act;

  • allowing for the expression of frustrations;

  • a self-promotional function;

  • a defense against feelings of vulnerability, whereby an anger response appears as secondary to a situation that has aroused anxiety.

Evidence-Based Psychological Approaches for Working with Anger

Cognitive behavioral interventions are the most studied treatments of anger (Lee & DiGiuseppe, 2018).

Anger Management

Anger management is a structured treatment designed to foster the self-regulation of anger and aggressive behavior. Anger management teaches clients to become aware of signs and symptoms associated with their anger. Anger management is intended to reduce the frequency, intensity, duration, and specific modes of expression of anger. Intervention techniques include:

Forgiveness Therapy

Forgiveness therapy is an evidence-based treatment for anger (Enright & Fitzgibbons, 2000, 2015). Enright and Fitzgibbons have published extensively regarding forgiveness therapy. Their approach views forgiveness as a process involving stages of uncovering, decision, work, and deepening.

Resources for Working with Anger

Psychology Tools resources available for working therapeutically with anger may include:

  • psychological models of anger

  • information handouts for anger management

  • exercises for anger management

  • CBT worksheets for anger management

  • self-help programs for anger management

References

  • Enright, R. D., & Fitzgibbons, R. P. (2000). Helping clients forgive: An empirical guide for resolving anger and restoring hope. American Psychological Association.

  • Enright, R. D., & Fitzgibbons, R. P. (2015). Forgiveness therapy: An empirical guide for resolving anger and restoring hope. American Psychological Association.

  • Lee, A. H., & DiGiuseppe, R. (2018). Anger and aggression treatments: A review of meta-analyses. Current Opinion in Psychology, 19, 65–74.

  • Novaco, R. W. (1975). Anger control: The development and evaluation of an experimental treatment. Lexington.

  • Novaco, R. W., & Renwick, S. J. (2019). Anger management. Common Language for Psychotherapy (CLP) Procedures Retrieved from: https://www.commonlanguagepsychotherapy.org/assets/accepted_procedures/anger.pdf

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