Taking ACTion on anger : a feasibility study investigating the effectiveness and acceptability of an ACT-based anger intervention for adolescent males in a school-context.

Conduct disorder (and associated anger and aggression) is the most common mental health difficulty experienced by adolescent males. Given the detrimental impact of poorly managed anger and aggression to both the individual and society, investment in effective interventions for this client group is warranted. Research into effective therapeutic interventions for anger and aggression in adolescents has historically been somewhat narrow, focusing largely on a social-cognitive-behavioural framework. In addition, little work focusing specifically on males exists. This thesis aims to develop, implement and evaluate a new intervention for adolescent males with anger difficulties. Part one of this portfolio presents a systematic literature review of recent research into psychological interventions for adolescent males with difficulties managing anger and aggression. The findings of the review highlighted that the field is still predominated by interventions based on a social-cognitive-behavioural approach. Whilst this is effective for some, it is not effective for all. Further issues included methodological difficulties, a continued lack of interventions specifically for males, and a lack of UK-based studies. Part two presents an empirical paper of a feasibility study investigating the acceptability and effectiveness of a novel intervention for adolescent males with anger difficulties. The intervention was a short-term group programme based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), delivered in a school setting. Qualitative findings suggested that the participants experienced a number of benefits from the programme and found it acceptable. Quantitative findings suggested a more mixed picture of results; however, inferences made from the quantitative data were limited by the small sample and difficulties with measures. Suggestions for future research are provided