The paper creates an understanding of cognitive restructuring theory by defining the theory in relation to behavior change. It describes how the theory is applicable to Tom's case in order to help him manage his anger. It identifies the steps that Tom should employ to manage anger. The paper explains how anger can lead to criminal behavior.
Cognitive restructuring theory describes the various applied approaches aiming at reframing behaviors. The theory uses cognitive therapy to apply the behavioral technique. The theory involves learning how to think differently to change negative thinking and replace it with positive thinking. In addition, cognitive restructuring aims at helping people to deal with problems of anxiety and depression. In so doing, people can change their manner of thought and live their daily lives with energy and hope.
Cognitive theory is practical and can help Tom control and effectively manage his anger. As such, tom would not change significantly because the action had already taken place. For Tom, it would be better to focus his energy on how to avoid such a thing from happening and avoid future irritation. In this case, Tom would take one of the techniques offered in the cognitive therapy. Aggression replacement may help teach him some behavioral techniques he can use to reduce the anger.
This program determines what triggered the anger, what the behavioral response was, and the consequences to the person who experiences the anger. The programs also recognize the anger that someone already has before considering self-control as a measure. Tom will also learn the external and internal triggers of anger and aggression in this program, where teachings on ways to reduce the anger are inclusive. The program also teaches the ideology in the angry behavior cycle and avoids what may provoke anger (Kate et al., 2007).
Personal experience
A few days ago, my daughter and I were sleeping. I was sick hence; my body was weak and felt like the world was ending. My daughter whom I love very much is two years old. She could not let me rest even a single minute. On that day, she started crying. After letting her out of bed, she worsened the situation because she started pouring water all over the house. The thing that made me almost mad she almost burnt the house by lighting the gas cooker. I was too angry but after cooling down and understanding that, she was just a kid I was able to manage my anger.
The four major steps under recognition theory advise that, first you have to identify the upsetting situation. This involves looking at the problem and getting to know the cause of stress. The second step is to record the negative feeling, which can be done by noting down how you feel about the situation you are in. The third step is to use the triple column technique. Tune in the negative thoughts associated with feelings. This can be derived from how your emotions are reacting towards the stressful situation encountered. This involves recording and rating them, for instance how you feel that the action you take would help you cool down. The last step is the outcome that is determined by indicating how much you believe in each of the automatic thought that you had listed earlier. By rating your thoughts in a logical manner, your beliefs in the thoughts does not become extreme and thus making you feel better. This analysis can enable tom be able to control his anger when faced with a stressful situation (From Burns, 1989).
Tom seems to have low Tolerance for frustrations thus; he feels that he does not have to be in a stressful or annoying situation. However, under the cognition therapy he has to rethink his next step before making the next action. Some actions that may result from intense anger may result to unpleasant results or even accidents. The best way to stop anger is to place your hands on your face and by so doing it can help in putting a physical break to your emotions. Another instance breathing deeply also helps in controlling the physical responses to anger. Giving self-peace is another measure that can enable one manages anger. Remaining engaged in the situation only escalate one's anger. The other step is to analyze what had happened. This may prompt someone perceive at the situation as an outsider and thus seeing the truth. The fifth step is to define the existing problem. After you have verified the situation Cleary, you are able to see what had caused the intense anger. The last step is to provide a solution to the problem. It is advisable not to let anger control you as it can lead to one doing things that he can regret afterwards. These steps can help Tom to control his anger and actions (From Burns, 1989).
Anger can be a problem if it is extreme and when it comes at inappropriate times. The anger may be a simple irritation or a hysterical that may lead to shouting or doing unacceptable things. There is a need to understand, manage, or overcome excessive anger because the consequences may be fatal. Most of the time, people become angry due to simple reasons. When this happens, the affected person may respond with an emotional reaction. Such feelings only react when the body is exposed to such extreme cases of anger. Extreme anger has consequences; it may result to a lot of harm, both physical and emotional (Katz, 1999).
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