Effectiveness of an Anger Management Program for Elementary School Children: A Preliminary Evaluation in Small Groups for Classroom Implementation

Abstract

This study evaluated the preliminary effectiveness of implementing Ikari Yawaraka Lesson, a universal anger management program comprising five 45-min lessons, in small groups. It recruited 25 elementary school students in Grades 3–6 from two locations and assessed their comprehension of program contents, self-reported anger and aggression, and parent-reported aggression before and one month after the implementation, as well as the frequency of use of learned anger management skills one month after the implementation. The results indicated that students mostly understood the program contents. Therefore, it was appropriate for elementary school children in Grades 3–6. Additionally, the study observed overall reductions in self- and parent-reported aggression scores after the implementation. A group difference was noted for changes in self-reported aggression scores. Children's comprehension of program contents correlated only with self-reported hostility among the anger and aggression scores one month after the implementation. Future directions include evaluating the effectiveness of the program in attaining the goal of universal education through its implementation in regular classrooms.