Current approaches to the assessment and management of anger and aggression in youth: a review.
BACKGROUND
Anger and its expression represent a major public health problem for children and adolescents today. Prevalence reports show that anger-related problems such as oppositional behavior, verbal and physical aggression, and violence are some of the more common reasons children are referred for mental health services.


METHODS
An extensive review of the literature was conducted using the following online search engines: Cochrane, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and PubMed. Published and unpublished articles that met the following criteria were included in the review: (a) experimental or quasi-experimental research designs; (b) nonpharmacologic, therapy-based interventions; and (c) study participants between 5 and 17 years of age.


RESULTS
Cognitive-behavioral and skills-based approaches are the most widely studied and empirically validated treatments for anger and aggression in youth. Commonly used therapeutic techniques include affective education, relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, problem-solving skills, social skills training, and conflict resolution. These techniques, tailored to the individual child's and/or family's needs, can foster the development of more adaptive and prosocial behavior.
Blake
Christie S
CS
Department of Psychiatry at Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. christie.blake@aya.yale.edu
Hamrin
Vanya
V
D000293:Adolescent; D000374:Aggression; D000786:Anger; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007604:Juvenile Delinquency / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011581:Psychological Tests; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*