Aggression replacement training in a high school setting

Abstract

The Aggression Replacement Training (ART) program is a comprehensive intervention for aggressive juvenile delinquents incorporating three components: Structured Learning, Anger Control Training and Moral Reasoning Training (Goldstein & Click, 1987). This paper investigates the efficacy of ART within a high school setting. Eighteen significantly aggressive students were selected using the Achenbach and Edelbrook (1986) aggression scale. Students (mean age 13 years and 9 months) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: Condition 1, the entire ART program; Condition 2, the Moral Reasoning component only; and Condition 3, a no treatment condition. The dependent measures were performance on: Behaviour Incident Reports, aggressive and coping behaviours, the Kendall-Wilcox Self-Control Scale, Situation Tests, and a Sociomoral Reflections Measure. Two-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to analyse the data. Compared to the two control conditions students completing the ART program: showed a significant decrease in aggressive incidences; a significant increase in coping incidences; and acquired significantly more social skills. Students in Condition 1 improved on the Combined Kendall-Wilcox Scale for Self-Control and Impulsivity. No significant differences were noted on the Sociomoral Reflections measure. ART appears to be an effective intervention for aggressive youth within a high school setting.

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