Road rage is
a term that has become popular to describe angry, hostile reactions when
driving that are directed toward other drivers. Ranging from acts of true
violence to aggressive tailgating and gesturing, road rage is on the rise all
over the world. Men are more likely to be perpetrators of road rage than are
women.
“Aggressive driving is a
traffic offense; road rage is a criminal offense.” according to the National
Transportation Administration. This week’s tragic road rage incident in New Mexico
serves as a reminder of the escalation of road rage nationwide.
In response to the increase in all types of anger related offenses,
anger management programs are now being offered by mental health as
well as substance abuse and social service agencies. Private practice
psychotherapists are seeking certification in anger management as an additional
income stream.
Anderson & Anderson, APC is the largest provider of
Certification for Anger Management Providers. The Anderson & Anderson, APC
curriculum is accepted in every state in the nation as well as Canada and the
UK.
The anger that triggers “road rage” is not an illness and therefore,
should not be “treated” with counseling, psychotherapy or psychotropic medication.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, anger is a normal human
emotion. Anger is a problem when it is:
·
Too
intense
·
Occurs
too frequently
·
Lasts too
long
·
Impacts
health
·
Destroys
work, school or personal relationships
·
Leads to
aggression or violence.
Anger is always a secondary emotion. Some of the feelings that come
before anger are fatigue, frustration, stress, anxiety, depression or
intoxication. Persons who are prone to angry outbursts generally score low in the
following emotional intelligence scales: self-awareness,
self-control, empathy, social awareness, assertiveness, flexibility and problem
solving,
The most appropriate intervention for road rage and other types of
problem anger is emotional intelligence
coaching for impulse control. Motivated clients are able to learn how to
recognize and manage the behavior that follows angry feelings such as
frustration or anger. All Anger Management Facilitators in California are
required to complete a 40 hour Certified Anger Management Program that includes
a Pre and Post Assessment along with language specific client workbooks and
ancillary training material. Providers who are not certified are not accepted
as vendors for court mandated defendants.
Anger
management coaching or classes are effective for persons convicted of road
rage. These classes must have client workbooks, pre and post assessments and
must be lead by Certified Anger Management Facilitators.
For a partial list of Certified Anger Management Facilitators by
state click here: http://andersonservices.com/certified-providers/by-u-s-state/
George Anderson, MSW, LCSW, BCD, CAMF