Anger Diary (Archived)

The Anger Diary is a structured tool designed to collect information about how clients experience anger and aggression.

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Full resource pack (PDF)

Everything you could need: a PDF of the resource, therapist instructions, and description with theoretical context and references. Where appropriate, case examples and annotations are also included.

Worksheet only (PDF)

A copy of the worksheet in PDF format.

Fillable version (PDF)

A fillable version of the resource. This can be edited and saved in Adobe Acrobat, or other PDF editing software.

Editable version (PPT)

An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.

Editable version (DOC)

An editable Microsoft Word version of the resource.

Overview

Developing self-monitoring skills teaches clients to systematically observe and record specific targets such as their own thoughts, body feelings, emotions, and behaviors. Though it’s usually introduced early in the therapy process, it can continue to provide an inexpensive and constant measure of problem symptoms and behaviors throughout treatment. The Anger Diary is designed to help clients capture information about situations where they experienced feelings of anger or responded aggressively.

Why Use This Resource?

Self-monitoring is a cornerstone of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), supporting both assessment and intervention. This resource assists clients in observing and recording important information that can:

Enhance awareness and insight into experiences of anger.
Inform case conceptualizations, treatment planning, and intervention.
Provide a measure of change during treatment.
Support and encourage client-therapist collaboration.

Key Benefits

Structured

Provides a clear, organized format for capturing clients' experiences.

Insightful

Promotes awareness of the factors contributing to anger.

Engaging

Encourages active participation in therapy.

Flexible

Can be used to support assessment, intervention, and symptom monitoring.

Who is this for?

Anger

Designed to help clients record and review their experiences with anger.

Integrating it into your practice

Introduce

Explain the benefits and rationale for an anger diary.

Identify

Agree targets for self-monitoring.

Practice

Provide instructions for completing the diary and rehearse with the client.

Review

Review the client's completed diary in-session.

Adjust

Modify self-monitoring based on progress, shifting focus as needed.

Theoretical Background & Therapist Guidance

Self-monitoring is a technique where clients systematically observe and record their thoughts, feelings, emotions, and behaviors to enhance awareness and gain insight into their challenges. It is commonly used in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and involves two main components: discrimination (recognizing target phenomena) and recording (documenting occurrences).

Self-monitoring can be faciliating using various tools such as diaries, logs, and records, aimed at helping clients engage in their treatment by fostering self-control and autonomy. Data collected can inform case formulation and intervention planning, as it assists in identifying prevalent problems, unhelpful thinking patterns, triggers, and coping behaviors. Typically, self-monitoring is introduced early in therapy, particularly for covert phenomena like rumination or self-criticism. Clients may begin with simple tasks and advance to more detailed records exploring the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

The Anger Diary is designed to help clients capture information about situations where they experienced feelings of anger or responded aggressively. It includes columns to record information about: situational context; the content of angry thoughts and images; emotional and physiological reactions; behaviors; and consequences.

Self-monitoring is a fundamental tool in cognitive behavioral therapy.

What's inside

An introduction to the resource.
Therapist guidance for using the diary with clients.
References and further reading for learning more about self-monitoring.

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FAQs

The Anger Diary helps clients and therapists understand what triggers anger, how it manifests physically and emotionally, and the short- and long-term effects of different behavioral responses.

Clients should rate the intensity of their emotions and bodily sensations on a 0–100% scale to help track changes over time.

Encourage clients to reflect on mental images or memories and their personal meaning. If they struggle, therapists can explore the context with them during sessions.

How This Resource Improves Clinical Outcomes

Integrating self-monitoring records into therapy supports:

Enhanced understanding and management of anger.
Data-driven insights for more effective treatment planning and intervention.
Increased client engagement and insight into their difficulties.

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References And Further Reading

Beck, A.T., Rush, A.J., Shaw, B.F., & Emery, G. (1979). Cognitive therapy of depression. New York: Guilford.

Fernandez, E., & Beck, R. (2001). Cognitive-behavioral self-intervention versus self-monitoring of anger: Effects on anger frequency, duration, and intensity. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 29(3), 345-356.

A Guide To Emotions