Citation

Hart T, Vaccaro MJ, Hays C, Maiuro RD. J. Head Trauma Rehabil. 2012; 27(2): 113-122.

Affiliation

Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/HTR.0b013e31820e686c

PMID

21407088

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: To examine the feasibility and gather preliminary data on the efficacy of a fully manualized, 8-session, psychoeducational treatment for irritability and anger after traumatic brain injury (TBI), called anger self-management training (ASMT). PARTICIPANTS:: A total of 10 persons with moderate to severe, chronic TBI with significant cognitive impairment and elevated levels of anger and irritability participated in the study; 8 had significant others (SOs) who participated in portions of the treatment and provided pre- and posttreatment measures; 1 SO provided only data. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:: Two subscales of the State-Trait Anger Expression Scale-Revised and Brief Anger-Aggression Questionnaire. DESIGN:: Pre- to posttreatment pilot study. RESULTS:: There was significant improvement on all 3 measures of self-reported anger, with large effect sizes (>1.0), and on 1 of 3 SO-reported scales. Qualitative feedback from participants was positive and dropout rate was low (1 of 11). CONCLUSIONS:: The treatment model represented by the ASMT appears worthy of further study in persons with TBI who have both problematic anger and cognitive impairment.

Language: en