Spouse abuse: Clinical implications of research on the control of aggression

Abstract

In considering therapeutic approaches to anger and violence in the family, it is important to base our methods on both clinical experience and research on the control of aggression. Baron (1983) has recently summarized this research, addressing himself to the view that aggression is a learned response to a wide variety of personal, social, situational, and environmental conditions. Given this assumption, this paper takes a closer look at six ways that research has demonstrated aggression can be controlled: Punishment, catharsis, exposure to non-aggressive models, cognitive interventions, induction of incompatible responses, and social skills training. Research is summarized, conditions limiting its applicability are discussed, and clinical implications are described in working with individuals, couples, and families.