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Abstract
The predictive strength of a modified version of the Stages of Change Scales (SOCS) was examined to study its ability to predict treatment outcome of an anger management program. Treatment outcome was measured using the State Trait Anger Expression Inventory, Second Edition (STAXI-2). It was also hypothesized that all those who scored "high" on the SOCS (i.e. action and maintenance stage) would be more likely to benefit from the 10-week anger management program. It was hypothesized that the participants would increase in their readiness to change, as measured by the SOCS, as a result of treatment. Finally, it was hypothesized that the participants would report decreases in their experience of anger as a result of treatment. Twenty-three participants took part in the study. All participants were men, recently released from prison for a variety of offences. Participation in the anger management treatment program was required as a condition of residing at the transition center. No statistical significance was found in relation to the main hypotheses of the study. However, the Anger Expression Index (AX-I) on the STAXI-2, which provides a general measure of anger expression, was found to be a significant predictor of treatment outcome. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
