ABSTRACT
The goal, both for Novaco and for DiGiuseppe and colleagues, is to understand the etiology, manifestations, and maintaining forces of anger and aggressive behavior so that effective intervention programs can be developed. In treatment, it is the individual episode of anger that is repeatedly discussed with patients the goal of developing increased understanding and better coping responses. Novaco notes that much of the anger and aggression seen clinically is a function of automaticity. There is an alternate perspective to the view that cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) is the best model for anger/aggression/violence interventions. Novaco notes that these are hard-wired responses that are embedded in a variety of psychosocial systems. They have had survival value for the species, and often lead to positive outcomes. Interpersonal anger-aggression-violence is likely a function of natural selection, operant conditioning, and the development of cultures. Certainly, it is difficult to overcome the forces of natural selection.
