Anger Session 4

Session 4: The Aggression Cycle In this session, you will learn about the aggression cycle and practice progressive muscle relaxation . The aggression cycle serves as an integrative framework that incorporates the concepts of the anger meter, cues to anger, and the anger control plan. I. The Aggression Cycle An episode of anger can be viewed as consisting of three phases : escalation , explosion , and postexplosion Together, these three phases make up the aggression cycle. The escalation phase is characterized by cues that indicate anger is building . As you may recall, cues are warning signs, or responses, to anger-provoking events. If the escalation phase is allowed to continue , the explosion phase will follow. The explosion phase is marked by an uncontrollable discharge of anger that is displayed as verbal or physical aggression . The post explosion phase is characterized by the negative consequences that result from the verbal or physical aggression displayed during the explosion phase. These consequences may include going to jail, making restitution, being terminated from a job, being discharged from a drug treatment or social service program, losing family and loved ones, or feelings of guilt , shame , and regret . II. The Aggression Cycle and the Anger Meter Notice that the escalation and explosion phases of the aggression cycle correspond to levels or points on the anger meter. The points on the anger meter below 10 represent the escalation phase , the building up of anger. The explosion phase, on the other hand, corresponds to a 10 on the anger meter. A 10 on the anger meter represents when you lose control and express anger through verbal or physical aggression that leads to negative consequences. One of the primary objectives of anger management treatment is to prevent reaching the explosion phase. This is accomplished by using the anger meter to monitor changing levels of anger, attending to the cues or warning signs that indicate anger is building , and using the appropriate strategies from your anger control plans to stop the escalation of anger . If the explosion phase is prevented, the postexplosion phase will not occur and the aggression cycle will be broken. • What phase of the aggression cycle are you in if you reach a 7 on the anger meter ? __ • What phase are you in if you reach 10 on the anger meter ? __ Escalation a. Denial & minimization of incidents b. Increase in hostile self-talk c. Intimidating body language d. More frequent and Intense anger Explosion Phase= 10 a. Violence b. Verbal aggression c. Uncontrollable discharge of tension d. Major destructiveness Post-explosion Phase a. Jail b. Termination from program or services c. Financial costs d. Loss of family or loved ones e. Guilt, Shame, Regret III. Relaxation Through Progressive Muscle Relaxation Last week you practiced deep-breathing as a relaxation technique. This week introduced to progressive muscle relaxation . You should practice this exercise as often as possible. Here are the directions . Take a moment to settle in. Now, as you did last week, begin to focus on your breathing. Take a deep breath. Hold it for a second. Now exhale fully and completely. Again, take a deep breath. Fill your lungs and chest. Now