Delivering Anger Management Treatment through a Web-Based Intervention Supplemented with Brief Coaching: A Pilot Study (Preprint)
BACKGROUND Dysregulated anger as part of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can disrupt interpersonal functioning and negatively impact mental and physical health. However, many individuals are not able or willing to access clinic-based services. Self-management interventions, such as web-based programs, can reach those who need treatment but are not obtaining care from clinics. OBJECTIVE This paper describes a pilot study investigating a self-directed web-based anger management intervention, combined with brief clinician-level support, for veterans. METHODS The Anger and Irritability Management Skills (AIMS) course is an eight-session cognitive-behavioral program. This intervention was augmented with weekly phone-based coaching to enhance treatment engagement. Six males living on the Hawaiian Islands enrolled in the study. RESULTS Results broadly supported the feasibility, efficacy, and usability of the AIMS intervention with briefing coaching. Four of the six (67%) participants completed the study. Three of these four (75%) demonstrated statistically significant reductions in anger symptoms. AIMS received high usability ratings. Participants reported phone coaching to be helpful in completing the intervention and learning anger management skills. Individuals who terminated treatment early had higher anger and mental health scores at baseline compared to those who completed the intervention. CONCLUSIONS The AIMS intervention with brief clinician-level coaching performed well across several indicators, including feasibility, usability, treatment engagement, and initial efficacy. Results highlight the utility of self-management interventions along the continuum of care. CLINICALTRIAL pilot study