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Increasing numbers of Americans are seeking professional help to better manage their anger; however, far less is known about the ingredients of effective anger management than about treatments for many other emotional problems. Are some anger management treatments more effective than others, and if so, what are the active ingredients of effective treatments? These questions will be the focus of a new study by Dr. Eric R. Dahlen and Dr. Mitch Berman, professors from The University of Southern Mississippi’s Department of Psychology. “Anger is common emotion that is beneficial at mild levels,” said Dahlen. “However, when it becomes more intense, long-lasting, or is expressed in inappropriate ways, anger often leads to relationship difficulties and family problems, alcohol abuse, verbal and physical aggression, increased stress and burnout at work, and medical conditions such as hypertension and coronary heart disease.” Psychologists are increasingly recognizing the cost of problem anger and seeking effective treatments. Dahlen noted that many of the anger management programs now available to the public have not been systematically tested. “The need for anger management has outstripped the science, and more research is needed to help us to identify which programs are effective.” Dahlen and Berman have received $150,000 from the National Institutes of Health to fund a three-year study to evaluate two treatments for dysfunctional anger. The goal is to compare the effectiveness of a combined cognitive-relaxation coping skills treatment with a new exposure-based treatment. “Because most anger management treatments involve exposure to angry feelings during treatment, it is important to determine whether this is the active ingredient that makes treatment work,” Dahlen said. “If exposure therapy proves effective, professionals may be able to help people who do not respond to traditional treatments.” The study, now seeking participants, will be administered though the Community Counseling and Assessment Clinic on the Southern Miss campus. Adults (age 18 and up) who experience excessive anger and meet other eligibility requirements evaluated during an interview may receive anger management treatment at no charge. Treatments are delivered over approximately 10 individual counseling sessions. Participants who complete the treatment program will receive $50, and those who return a follow-up survey six months after the end of treatment will receive an additional $50. Individuals who become angry more often, more intensely, or for a longer period of time than most people or have experienced negative social, occupational, or other consequences of anger may want to contact the program. For more information or to participate, contact Deborah Brimble at 601.266.4601. For more information about this topic, contact Dr. Dahlen by phone at 601.266.4601 or by e-mail at
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About The University of Southern MississippiThe University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.
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