Case Study Cognitive Processing in Anger and Verbal Aggression among Male Forensic Inpatients – a case series using metacognitive profiling

Stine Bjerrum Møller

Abstract

Background: Maladaptive cognitive processes have been evidenced in problem anger, and anger rumination is empirically well-established to increase anger and aggression. Negative and positive beliefs about anger may be involved in the selection of maladaptive mental strategies such as angry rumination. The current study explored male forensic inpatients’ self-reports of meta-beliefs about anger in episodes involving anger and verbal aggression. Method: Five male forensic inpatients participated in a larger data collection were interviewed after a verbally aggressive episode to explore the problematic processing routines and metacognitions activated during anger arousal. Measures: Anger was measured using the NAS, aggression using the SOAS-R, and metacognitive beliefs using the MAP. Patients were interviewed using the `metacognitive profiling´ developed by Wells. Results: All five participants confirmed activated negative meta-beliefs, three confirmed positive meta-beliefs, and three patients confirmed rumination in association with the anger episode concerning the interview. Conclusion: Male forensic inpatients could successfully report details on their cognitive processes during a recent anger episode, and the metacognitive perspective on anger seems clinically relevant to apply in this setting. Modifying the cognitive structures responsible for the selection of rumination as a mental strategy in situations of anger might prove helpful in anger interventions.
OriginalsprogEngelsk
TidsskriftJournal of Psychiatry and Behaviour Therapy
Vol/bind2
Udgave nummer1
Sider (fra-til)59-63
ISSN2638-9959
StatusUdgivet - apr. 2019

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