Introduction for Workshop Participants

What is the model found in the text Aggression Replacement Training: A Comprehensive Intervention for Aggressive Youth?
Dr. Arnold Goldstein and colleagues originally introduced the text Aggression Replacement Training (ART) in 1987. It was hailed as a multi-channel intervention aimed at the complex emotional, behavioral and moral developmental delays common to behaviorally disruptive and delinquent youth. Since its introduction, the model found in the ART text has accrued a strong research-base and has been demonstrated to reduce recidivism when competently delivered. This is a cognitive-behavioral, teaching/coaching model, delivered three times per week for ten weeks. The model is designed to target risk factors known to sustain problem behavior. It is composed of three distinct methods of intervention:

Ø Anger Control Training – without the capacity to control strong emotions young people find themselves unable to make clear decisions and utilize basic “people” skills in everyday situations. Through a 10-week intervention, youth learn powerful methods for decreasing physiological arousal and the defeating cognitions that sustain aggressive and impulsive behavior.

Ø Skillstreaming – a structured skill learning process that in and of itself has been demonstrated to increase the prosocial responses of its participants. Through a series of behavioral procedures and steps, participating youth acquire new methods for problem solving, dealing with peer pressure and managing previously difficult interpersonal situations.

Ø Moral Reasoning Training – enhancing the moral reasoning level of behaviorally disruptive youth is a daunting task. Simply pointing out thinking errors or giving moral rationale from an adult point of view is not very effective. Young people need to develop their own reasons for making good decisions. This model requires the facilitator to skillfully build mature moral reasoning with teens by using a series of carefully planned dilemmas and sequential thinking questions. Not only will this method work, but young people like it.

How is the model found in the ART text delivered?
Each of the modalities described above, Skillstreaming, Moral Reasoning Training, and Anger Control Training, are taught during the week for ten weeks. For example, Skillstreaming could be taught on Tuesdays, Moral Reasoning Training on Wednesdays, and Anger Control Training on Thursdays. This pattern would be followed for ten weeks.

Who is the model aimed at and how many youth can participate in an ART class/group?
The model found in the ART text has primarily been aimed at behaviorally disruptive and delinquent youth. However the model has been shown to decrease impulsivity, aggression, and other problem behaviors of participants. The model is designed for youth between the ages of 13 and 18 years of age. The group/class is best taught with 8-10 participants. The model is a start to finish curriculum. This means individual youth should not be brought in to participate after week one of the 10-week curriculum has been initiated.

How important is it to follow the model found in the ART text?
Research conducted across many evidence-based models has shown time and again that those who adhere closely to the model are most likely to achieve the best outcomes. The same is true for the model found in the ART text. In a large, randomized study conducted in Washington State researchers found, “When the ART model is adhered to, the program appears to reduce recidivism significantly and save more money than it costs…Analyses revealed that [instructors] not following the ART model did not lower recidivism rates.” www.wsipp.wa.gov/crime/JuvJustice.htm

What will the training be like and how should I prepare for the initial training?
The two-day training is a blend of lecture, procedural demonstrations and actual practice of the three modalities – Anger Control Training, Skillstreaming, and Moral Reasoning Training. The best way to prepare for the initial two-day training is to read chapters 2 through 5 in the ART text, “Aggression Replacement Training: A Comprehensive Intervention for Aggressive Youth” (Goldstein, A., Glick, B., & Gibbs, J. 1997). As mentioned the training involves practice of the procedures associated with the model; by reading these four chapters you will have a much easier time understanding what is being taught and what is required during the practice portion of the workshop.

If you would like more information on this workshop or if you have additional questions, please contact Darin Carver; darincarver@msn.com or at (801) 644-1022