The Effectiveness of Mindfulness and Anger Management training on Anger, Anxiety, and Depression in High School Male Bullies

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of mindfulness and anger management training on anger, anxiety and depression in first grade high school male bullies. The statistical population includes all high school male students in Karaj, in the academic year of 97-98. The research method was quasi-experimental using a pre-test and post-test design with a control group. First, 400 high school students responded to the Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire (OBVQ). Then, 60 participants were selected using random sampling method and based on the clinical cutoff score. Then they were divided into two groups of experiment (n =15) and control (n = 15). The experimental group was trained according to the protocol of mindfulness and anger management and the control group did not receive any training. The instruments used in this study were Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), Mindfulness Training Protocol (8 session, 60 minute), and Anger Management Training Protocol (6 session,60 minute). The results of the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) showed that the mindfulness training was effective in reducing anxiety; and also, the anger management training was effective in reducing anger and depression. This research also showed that there was a significant difference between the effectiveness of mindfulness and anger management trainings and both could be effective as a complementary program in reducing bullying.

Keywords

• mindfulness
• anger management
• anger
• anxiety
• depression
• bullying