Effectiveness of a Telephone-Based EAP Anger Management Program for Referred Employees

SUMMARY

This article reports data from an anger management program for referred employees at multiple geographical locations. It consisted of a telephone-based, manualized, 6-session, group intervention. The treatment was based on the concept of stress inoculation training (Meichenbaum & Novaco, 1978) and focused on (1) developing coping skills through cognitive preparation, skill acquisition, and application training, combined with (2) relaxation training and (3) rehearsal. Data, collected on 59 participants, consisted of pre- and post-treatment scores on the Anger-Hostility and Interpersonal Sensitivity scales of the SCL-90-R. Results showed statistically significant improvements on both scales. Supervisors' ratings reflected improvement in job status, angry incidents, productivity, and ability to get along with others.

KEYWORDS:

• Anger management
• cognitive-behavioral therapy
• stress inoculation training
• supervisors' ratings