Online emotion regulation treatment for maladaptive anger inhibition - an open-label pilot with a pooled interrupted time series design.

In 30 seconds

This open-label pilot evaluated a therapist-supported, 4-week online emotion-regulation treatment in 38 participants with elevated maladaptive anger inhibition. Using a pooled interrupted time series design, investigators compared outcomes across 4-week baseline and treatment phases. Feasibility and acceptability were supported by high retention and adherence, minor adverse events, and high credibility and satisfaction ratings. Piecewise growth curve analyses found significant, large immediate changes in anger inhibition (d = 1.26), anger rumination (d = 0.80), and anger assertion (d = 0.79); small additional gains were observed at 3-month follow-up. The authors conclude that randomised evaluation is warranted.

Key findings

• Immediate change in anger inhibition was large (d = 1.26) when baseline and treatment phases were compared.
• Anger rumination and anger assertion also showed large immediate changes (d = 0.80 and d = 0.79, respectively).
• Retention and adherence were high, adverse events were minor, and participants reported high treatment credibility and satisfaction.
• Small additional gains were observed at 3-month follow-up.

Why it matters

Maladaptive anger inhibition has documented risks, yet few treatments specifically target it. This pilot suggests that a brief, therapist-supported online approach can be delivered with good engagement and may improve anger-related measures. The findings provide preliminary support for further testing, while the design does not establish efficacy as securely as a randomised controlled trial.

What to keep in mind

The open-label pilot used a pooled interrupted time series design without a randomised comparator; the authors state that an RCT is needed.