The Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Psychoeducation on Anger Control and Cognitive Flexibility in İndividuals Convicted of Homicide

Toğluk S., KAVAK BUDAK F.

International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, vol.70, no.1, pp.88-103, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 70 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/0306624x251338328
  • Journal Name: International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, ASSIA, IBZ Online, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, Periodicals Index Online, CINAHL, Criminal Justice Abstracts, EMBASE, HeinOnline-Law Journal Library, Political Science Complete, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Social services abstracts, Sociological abstracts, Violence & Abuse Abstracts, vLex, Worldwide Political Science Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.88-103
  • Keywords: anger control, cognitive behavioral therapy, cognitive flexibility, homicide convicts, psychoeducation
  • Inonu University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effect of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-based psychoeducation on anger control and cognitive flexibility in individuals convicted of homicide. The study was completed with 47 individuals convicted of murder (23 control, 24 experimental) in the form of pretest-posttest control group experimental design. The experimental group received eight sessions of psychoeducation, while the control group received no intervention. The data was collected using the personal information form, controlled anger scale (CAS), and cognitive flexibility inventory (CFI). The data was analyzed by number, percentage distribution, and paired samples t-tests. After CBT-based psychoeducation, anger control and cognitive flexibility scores of the individuals in the experimental group increased compared to the individuals in the control group. In addition, it was determined that the difference between the pre-test and post-test total mean scores of CAS and CFI of the individuals in the experimental group was statistically significant (p <.05). In addition, it was determined that CBT-based psychoeducation had a “large” effect size of CAS (2.01) and CFI (1.06). The Effect of Psychoeducation on Anger Control and Cognitive Flexibility in Individuals Convicted of Homicide This study aimed to determine the effect of psychoeducation on anger control and cognitive flexibility in individuals convicted of homicide. The study was completed with 47 individuals convicted of murder (23 control, 24 experimental). The experimental group received eight sessions of psychoeducation, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Data were collected using a personal information form, controlled anger scale (CRS) and cognitive flexibility inventory (CFI). After CBT-based psychoeducation, anger control levels and cognitive flexibility levels of the individuals in the experimental group increased significantly compared to the individuals in the control group. Accordingly, psychoeducation can increase anger control and cognitive flexibility levels in prisoners.