Objective:

The study aimed to describe and compare the results of anger indicators, which were assessed preand post-intervention, of a group cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) protocol for IED.

Method:

The non-probabilistic convenience sample consisted of 136 adult participants. The adopted interventions were divided into four categories: cognitive restructuring, emotion regulation strategies, impulse control, and coping skills. There were 15 weekly intervention sessions and 3 maintenance sessions (weekly and monthly), each lasting 90 minutes, conducted by two psychologists (therapist and co-therapist). The indicators were evaluated by the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI).

Results:

Comparing the preand post-intervention assessments, a statistically significant reduction was identified in the medians in all scales of the instrument, with the greatest differences identified in Trait Anger and Anger Expression-Out, and Anger Temperament.

Conclusions:

The present study demonstrates preliminary evidence that the CBT protocol can have a positive impact on anger and impulsive aggressive behavior in people with IED, and formulates hypotheses about clinical change processes related to the interventions employed as well as the outcomes in the evaluated indicators.

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