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01-12-2017 | Original Paper

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anger Dysregulation with Military Veterans: A Pilot Study

Authors: John J. Donahue, Andrew Santanello, Mary C. Marsiglio, Lynn M. Van Male

Published in: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy | Issue 4/2017

Abstract

Anger dysregulation is a commonly reported problem by treatment-seeking military veterans that is associated with a range of negative outcomes. However, there is a paucity of studies examining interventions for anger and aggressive behavior in this population. Theory and empirical evidence suggest Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may be a viable and effective treatment for anger dysregulation among veterans. The present study examined the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an open trial of an ACT group intervention for veterans reporting difficulties with anger and aggressive behavior. Twenty-three male military veterans (mean age = 54.83) initiated a 12-week ACT intervention with assessments administered at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-week follow-up. Treatment completers found the intervention favorable, and participation was associated with improvements in trait physical aggression and psychological flexibility, while significant changes in anger reactivity, quality of life, and verbal aggression were not found. Results suggest group-based ACT for anger dysregulation is feasible in a male military veteran sample, and warrants further investigation.

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Title: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anger Dysregulation with Military Veterans: A Pilot Study
Authors: John J. Donahue
Andrew Santanello
Mary C. Marsiglio
Lynn M. Van Male
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 0022-0116
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-017-9361-z

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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anger Dysregulation with Military Veterans: A Pilot Study

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