Using a Mobile Application in the Management of Anger Problems Among Veterans: A Pilot Study.
This feasibility pilot study evaluated the usability of a mobile application (app), Remote Exercises for Learning Anger and Excitation Management (RELAX), as an adjunct to an anger management treatment delivered to Veterans.



Four Veterans completed pre- and post-treatment measures of anger, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, interpersonal functioning, and app use.



Descriptive results of clinical outcomes are provided. Qualitative data included Veterans' and therapists' feedback regarding the acceptability of the technology, satisfaction with the RELAX app, homework facilitation, and suggestions for improvement. Large reductions in anger, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression symptoms, and improvements in social functioning were evidenced post-treatment. Veterans reported that the RELAX app was helpful and appreciated its functionality.



Our findings support using an app as an adjunct to traditional anger management.
National Center for PTSD - Pacific Islands Division, Department of Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Healthcare System, 3375 Koapaka Street, Suite I-560, Honolulu, HI 96819.
Leslie A
LA
Morland
Charles River Analytics, Inc., 625 Mount Auburn Street No. 3, Cambridge, MA 02138.
James
J
Niehaus
National Center for PTSD - Behavioral Science Division, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System (116B-4), 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130.
Casey
C
Taft
National Center for PTSD - Behavioral Science Division, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System (116B-4), 150 South Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02130.
Brian P
BP
Marx
Pacific Health Research and Education Institute, 3375 Koapaka Street, Suite I-540, Honolulu, HI 96819.
Ursula
U
Menez
National Center for PTSD - Pacific Islands Division, Department of Veterans Affairs Pacific Islands Healthcare System, 3375 Koapaka Street, Suite I-560, Honolulu, HI 96819.
Margaret-Anne
MA
Mackintosh
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000067449:Anger Management Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003863:Depression / Q000628:therapy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D063731:Mobile Applications / Q000592:standards*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D000073278:Self-Management; D066107:Social Skills; D012985:Software Design; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014584:User-Computer Interface; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*