Are Anger Management Programs Effective for Controlling Anger?

Do anger management programs improve adolescents’ ability to cope with anger and increase their self-esteem? According to a study, by Lök, Bademli, and Canbaz (2018), anger management programs do help. A major finding of the study revealed that after people completed the anger management program, their anger-related symptoms reduced significantly. It was also found that those who completed the anger management program also saw a significant increase in self-esteem levels.

The study consisted of administering two different tests to each participant before and after they completed an anger management program. The first test measured each participants’ anger-related emotions and behaviors and the second test measured each participants’ self-esteem levels. Each participant completed an anger management program to test how their anger and self-esteem would be affected after completion. The anger management program consisted of six sessions with the first three session lasting 45 minutes each and the last three sessions lasting 60 minutes each.

The basis of this study was to showcase the positive effects anger management programs have on the way adolescents’ display their anger and self-esteem towards others. Anger management education is a way of increasing the ability to cope with anger and improve someone’s overall self-esteem. People who struggle with anger-related symptoms, are involved in situations that will cause anger, and have anger-related ideas and behaviors could benefit from participating in an anger management program. One of the most expected results that come from anger management education is the positive, cognitive changes in a person’s emotions and behaviors after anger is experienced by that person. It is important for people to be able to become educated about how to handle their emotions and act during situations that would induce a level of anger.


Lök, N., Bademli, K., & Canbaz, M. (2018). The effects of anger management education on adolescents’ manner of displaying anger and self-esteem: A randomized controlled trial. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 32, 75-81.


By Mackenzi LaMarre

Mackenzi is a senior double majoring in Psychology and Human Development. She will attend the University of Lakeland to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.  This article was based on an assignment in her senior psychology capstone course.