Development of a Program for Anger Management Based on Self-efficacy in Patients with Breast Cancer

Oh, Pok Ja; Choi, Seung Yi

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a program for anger management based on self-efficacy.
METHODS
In this study, four types of approaches to enhance anger control were developed; 1) a role play for vicarious experiences; 2) an assertive training for anger expression; 3) a 30-minute long education program & a 20-minute long telephone call coaching for verbal persuasion; and 4) a booklet for anger management and self care behaviors. One group pretest-posttest design was used for evaluating the program. Study subjects were 6 cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The group were received a 4-week intervention, 60 ~ 90 minutes a day weekly, and measured the variables at baseline, 4 weeks later. Anger-in, anger-out, and anger-control were measured by STAXI-K. Data was analysed by Wilcoxon using SPSS/WIN 12.0 program. Anger situation was analysed according to primary anger-thoughts and secondary anger-thoughts based on cognitive theories of anger.
RESULTS
The program for anger management consisted of a role play, assertive training, education, telephone call coaching and a booklet. The program revealed significantly less Anger-in (Z = -1.997, p = .046), anger-out (Z = -2.207, p = .027). No difference, however, was found in anger control (Z=-1.826, p=.068).
CONCLUSION
This evaluation suggested that more assertive training and longer intervention may be needed to maximize anger control.