Leadership-Driven Anger Management Groups for Adolescents: Do They Really Work?

Abstract

This study investigated a current trend in anger-management groups labeled as leadership development. The goal of the investigation was to determine if leadership is a critical factor in working with angry youth. A total of 52 middle school-aged adolescents from 2 schools served as participants. Of those, 18 participants received a strength-based, leadership-driven anger management group, while 18 participants received the same anger management group, devoid of the leadership component. An additional 16 participants served as a control group and did not receive either of the 2 treatments. Results indicated that the leadership-driven group had the most reduction in overall anger when compared to the other 2.

Keywords:

• adolescents
• anger management
• leadership
• leadership development
• strength-based

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Isaac Burt

Isaac Burt, Ph.D., is an assistant professor at Florida International University in the department of counselor education, leadership and professional studies.