Aggression Replacement Training®
Aggression Replacement Training® (ART) is a cognitive-behaviorally-based intervention designed to serve youth who display violent and aggressive behavior. ART consists of three components: social skills training, where youth learn how to replace aggressive behaviors with prosocial behaviors; anger control training, where youth learn how to handle anger-provoking situations; and moral reasoning training, where youth learn how to perspective-take and develop concern for others.
Group facilitators provide social skills training using a four-stage process: (1) modeling the skill, (2) role-playing, (3) providing performance feedback, and (4) facilitating transfer training. Transfer training, such as homework, requires youth to use the skill outside of ART sessions. Group facilitators provide anger control training using the A-B-C model, focusing on antecedents, behaviors, and consequences of aggression. Youth record anger-triggering situations in a “Hassle Log” and learn to identify their anger triggers and techniques they can use to control their anger. Group facilitators provide moral reasoning training through social decision-making meetings. The meetings help youth use a four-step process to discuss options for handling a fictional problem situation and to decide on a course of action by: (1) introducing the problem situation, (2) cultivating moral maturity by discussing responsible moral decisions for the problem situation, (3) remediating moral development delay by discussing irresponsible decisions, and (4) consolidating moral maturity by forming a group consensus about the responsible decision for the problem situation.
ART is rated as a promising practice because at least one study achieved a rating of moderate or high on study design and execution and demonstrated a favorable effect on a target outcome.
Date Research Evidence Last Reviewed: Oct 2021
Sources
The program or service description, target population, and program or service delivery and implementation information was informed by the following sources: the program or service manual, the California Evidence Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare, and the studies reviewed.
This information does not necessarily represent the views of the program or service developers. For more information on how this program or service was reviewed, visit the download the Handbook of Standards and Procedures, Version 1.0
Target Population
ART is designed for youth ages 13 to 18 who exhibit violent or aggressive behavior.
Dosage
ART is typically delivered three times per week over 10 weeks for a total of 30 sessions. One session per program component (i.e., social skills training, anger control training, moral reasoning training) is offered each week for a total of 10 sessions per program component. Each session lasts about 45 to 90 minutes. ART is delivered to 8 to 12 youth per session in a group format. Prior to youth joining the group, group facilitators typically meet once with each youth individually to inform them of the purpose, procedures, and group rules.
Location/Delivery Setting
Recommended Locations/Delivery Settings
ART can be delivered in a range of settings such as schools, community agencies, and juvenile institutions.
Location/Delivery Settings Observed in the Research
- Correctional Facility
Education, Certifications and Training
Two group facilitators typically lead each ART session. Group facilitators must have at least a high school diploma. Group facilitators should have knowledge, skill, and sensitivity around the need for differential training strategies and instructional tactics, participant channels of accessibility and communication styles, potential for stereotyping, and culturally associated qualities of participants.
Developer-provided training in ART is recommended, but not required, to implement the program. To become accredited, group facilitators can attend a 5-day training. The training covers the three components of ART (i.e., social skills training, anger control training, moral reasoning training) and allows participants to practice delivering lessons to their fellow trainees.
Program or Service Documentation
Book/Manual/Available documentation used for review
Glick, B., & Gibbs, J. (2011). Aggression Replacement Training®: A comprehensive intervention for aggressive youth (3rd ed.). Research Press.
Available languages
Materials for ART are available in English, Italian, Norwegian, Polish, Spanish, and Swedish.
For More Information
Website: https://aggressionreplacementtraining.com/
Phone: (518) 229-7933
Email: artgang01@gmail.com
Note: The details on Dosage; Location; Education, Certifications, and Training; Other Supporting Materials; and For More Information sections above are provided to website users for informational purposes only. This information is not exhaustive and may be subject to change.
| Results of Search and Review | Number of Studies Identified and Reviewed for Aggression Replacement Training® |
|---|---|
| Identified in Search | 23 |
| Eligible for Review | 1 |
| Rated High | 0 |
| Rated Moderate | 1 |
| Rated Low | 0 |
| Reviewed Only for Risk of Harm | 0 |
| Outcome | Effect Size
 and Implied Percentile Effect
|
N of Studies (Findings) | N of Participants | Summary of Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child well-being: Behavioral and emotional functioning |
0.28
10 |
1 (4) | 65 |
Favorable:
1 No Effect: 3 Unfavorable: 0 |
Note: For the effect sizes and implied percentile effects reported in the table, a positive number favors the intervention group and a negative number favors the comparison group.
| Outcome | Effect Size
and Implied Percentile Effect
|
N of Studies (Findings) | N of Participants | Summary of Findings |
Months after treatment when outcome measured
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Child well-being: Behavioral and emotional functioning |
0.28
10 |
1 (4) | 65 |
Favorable:
1 No Effect: 3 Unfavorable: 0 |
- |
| Study 12368 - Aggression Replacement Training (ART) vs. No Treatment Control (Kaya, 2016) | |||||
| Trait Anger |
0.40
15 |
- | 65 | - | 0 |
| Anger Expression Scales: Anger-Control |
0.71
*
26 |
- | 65 | - | 0 |
| Anger Expression Scales: Anger-In |
0.18
6 |
- | 65 | - | 0 |
| Aggression Questionnaire: Anger |
-0.18
-7 |
- | 65 | - | 0 |
*p <.05
Note: For the effect sizes and implied percentile effects reported in the table, a positive number favors the intervention group and a negative number favors the comparison group. Effect sizes and implied percentile effects were calculated by the Prevention Services Clearinghouse as described in the Handbook of Standards and Procedures, Section 5.10.4 and may not align with effect sizes reported in individual publications.
Only publications with eligible contrasts that met design and execution standards are included in the individual study findings table.
Full citations for the studies shown in the table are available in the "Studies Reviewed" section.
The participant characteristics display is an initial version. We encourage those interested in providing feedback to send suggestions to preventionservices@abtglobal.com.
The table below displays locations, the year, and participant demographics for studies that received moderate or high ratings on design and execution and that reported the information. Participant characteristics for studies with more than one intervention versus comparison group pair that received moderate or high ratings are shown separately in the table. Please note, the information presented here uses terminology directly from the study documents, when available. Studies that received moderate or high ratings on design and execution that did not include relevant participant demographic information would not be represented in this table.
For more information on how Clearinghouse reviewers record the information in the table, please see our Resource Guide on Study Participant Characteristics and Settings.
| Characteristics of the Participants in the Studies with Moderate or High Ratings | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Study Location
|
Study Year
|
Age or Grade-level
|
Race, Ethnicity, Nationality
|
Gender
|
Populations of Interest*
|
Household Socioeconomic Status
|
| Study 12368 - Aggression Replacement Training (ART) vs. No Treatment Control | ||||||
| Characteristics of the Children and Youth | ||||||
| Istanbul, Turkey | 2012 | Average age: 16 years; Age range: 14-17 years; 51% 17 years old | -- | -- | 100% Adolescents were from a juvenile and youth prison | -- |
“--” indicates information not reported in the study.
* The information about disabilities is based on initial coding. For more information on how the Clearinghouse recorded disability information for the initial release, please see our Resource Guide on Study Participant Characteristics and Settings. The Clearinghouse is currently seeking consultation from experts, including those with lived experience, and input from the public to enhance and improve the display.
Note: Citations for the documents associated with each 5-digit study number shown in the table can be found in the “Studies Reviewed” section below. Study settings and participant demographics are recorded for all studies that received moderate or high ratings on design and execution and that reported the information. Studies that did not report any information about setting or participant demographics are not displayed. For more information on how participant characteristics are recorded, please see our Resource Guide on Study Participant Characteristics and Settings.
Studies Rated Moderate
Study 12368Kaya, F., & Buzlu, S. (2016). Effects of Aggression Replacement Training on problem solving, anger and aggressive behaviour among adolescents with criminal attempts in Turkey: A quasi-experimental study. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 30(6), 729-735. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2016.07.001
This study was conducted in a usual care or practice setting (Handbook Section 6.2.2)Studies Not Eligible for Review
Study 12360
Coleman, M., Pfeiffer, S., & Oakland, T. (1992). Aggression Replacement Training with behaviorally disordered adolescents. Behavioral Disorders, 18(1), 54-66. https://doi.org/10.1177/019874299201800101
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12361
Glick, B. (1996). Aggression Replacement Training in children and adolescents. In The Hatherleigh Guide to Child and Adolescent Therapy (pp. 191–226). Hatherleigh Press.
This study is ineligible for review because it does not use an eligible publication source (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.2).
Study 12362
Grier, L. K. (1998). The effects of an intervention to advance moral reasoning and efficacy. Child Study Journal, 28(4), 267-290.
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12363
Gundersen, K., & Svartdal, F. (2006). Aggression Replacement Training in Norway: Outcome evaluation of 11 Norwegian student projects. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research, 50(1), 63-81. https://doi.org/10.1080/00313830500372059
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12364
Gundersen, K., & Svartdal, F. (2010). Diffusion of treatment interventions: Exploration of 'secondary' treatment diffusion. Psychology, Crime & Law, 16(3), 233-249. https://doi.org/10.1080/10683160802612924
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12365
Hatcher, R., Palmer, E., McGuire, J., Hounsome, J., Bilby, C. L., & Hollin, C. (2008). Aggression Replacement Training with adult male offenders within community settings: A reconviction analysis. Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 19(4), 517-532. https://doi.org/10.1080/14789940801936407
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12366
Holmqvist, R., Hill, T., & Lang, A. (2009). Effects of Aggression Replacement Training in young offender institutions. International Journal of Offender Therapy & Comparative Criminology, 53(1), 74-92. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X07310452
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12367
Hornsveld, R. H. J., Kraaimaat, F. W., Muris, P., Zwets, A. J., & Kanters, T. (2015). Aggression Replacement Training for violent young men in a forensic psychiatric outpatient clinic. Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 30(18), 3174-3191. https://doi.org/10.1177/0886260514555007
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12370
Koposov, R., Gundersen, K. K., & Svartdal, F. (2014). Efficacy of Aggression Replacement Training among children from North-West Russia. International Journal of Emotional Education, 6(1), 14-24. https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/6205
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12371
Lardén, M., Nordén, E., Forsman, M., & Långström, N. (2018). Effectiveness of Aggression Replacement Training in reducing criminal recidivism among convicted adult offenders. Criminal Behaviour & Mental Health, 28(6), 476-491. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbm.2092
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12372
Leeman, L. W., Gibbs, J. C., & Fuller, D. (1993). Evaluation of a multi-component group treatment program for juvenile delinquents. Aggressive Behavior, 19(4), 281-292. https://doi.org/10.1002/1098-2337(1993)19:4<281::AID-AB2480190404>3.0.CO;2-W
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12373
Lipsey, M. W. (2018). Effective use of the large body of research on the effectiveness of programs for juvenile offenders and the failure of the model programs approach. Criminology & Public Policy, 17(1), 189-198. https://doi.org/10.1111/1745-9133.12345
This study is ineligible for review because it does not use an eligible study design (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.4).
Study 12374
Moynahan, L. (2003). Enhanced Aggression Replacement Training with children and youth with autism spectrum disorder. Reclaiming Children and Youth: The Journal of Strength-based Interventions, 12(3), 174-180.
This study is ineligible for review because it does not use an eligible study design (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.4).
Study 12375
Moynahan, L., & Strømgren, B. (2005). Preliminary results of Aggression Replacement Training for Norwegian youth with aggressive behaviour and with a different diagnosis. Psychology, Crime & Law, 11(4), 411-419. https://doi.org/10.1080/10683160500256784
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12376
Nijhof, K., Te Brinke, L. W., Njardvik, U., & Liber, J. M. (2021). The role of perspective taking and self-control in a preventive intervention targeting childhood disruptive behavior. Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, 49, 657–670. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-020-00761-1
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12377
Nualnong, W., Day, A., Ward, P. R., & Winefield, A. H. (2014). Assessing effectiveness of Aggression Replacement Training at a technical college in Thailand. Social Behavior & Personality: An international journal, 42(6), 1047-1056. https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.2014.42.6.1047
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12378
Nugent, W. R., Bruley, C., & Allen, P. (1998). The effects of Aggression Replacement Training on antisocial behavior in a runaway shelter. Research on Social Work Practice, 8(6), 637-656. https://doi.org/10.1177/104973159800800602
Nugent, W. R., Bruley, C., & Allen, P. (1999). The effects of Aggression Replacement Training on male and female antisocial behavior in a runaway shelter. Research on Social Work Practice, 9(4), 466-482. https://doi.org/10.1177/104973159900900404
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12380
Sanderlin, T. K. (2016). Anger management with aggressive criminal offenders in a low fear, high arousal group environment. Annals of Psychotherapy & Integrative Health.
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12381
Smith, L. L., & Griffin, J. K. (2002). Conversations with delinquents: The mingling of meager dialogues: A pilot study. Journal of Correctional Education, 53(4), 127-130.
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12382
van der Put, C. E., Asscher, J. J., Stams, G. J. J. M., van der Laan, P. H., Breuk, R., Jongman, E., & Doreleijers, T. (2013). Recidivism after treatment in a forensic youth-psychiatric setting: The effect of treatment characteristics. International Journal of Offender Therapy & Comparative Criminology, 57(9), 1120-1139. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624X12452389
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).
Study 12383
Zwets, A. J., Hornsveld, R. H. J., Muris, P., Kanters, T., Langstraat, E., & van Marle, H. J. C. (2016). Psychomotor therapy as an additive intervention for violent forensic psychiatric inpatients: A pilot study. International Journal of Forensic Mental Health, 15(3), 222-234. https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2016.1152613
This study is ineligible for review because it does not use an eligible study design (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.4).
Study 12731
Jones, Y. (1991). Aggression Replacement Training in a high school setting. Australian Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 1(1), 81-99. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1037291100002405
This study is ineligible for review because it is not a study of the program or service under review (Study Eligibility Criterion 4.1.6).