An examination of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for angry drivers

The efficacy of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for reducing driving anger was investigated in the present study. Diebold (2003) found some support for MBCT to treat driving anger and aggression. The present study expanded upon Diebold's (2003) research by directly targeting the problem in fewer sessions, using a community sample, adding personally relevant driving anger situations, and utilizing a mindfulness measure.;A nonconcurrent multiple baseline design across nine subjects was used to assess the effectiveness of four one-hour MBCT sessions. Participants were assigned to either a 2-week, 4-week, or 6-week baseline. The treatment was comprised of mindfulness meditation (Diebold, 2003; Kabat-Zinn, 1990; Segal, Williams, & Teasdale, 2002), as well as informal mindfulness exercises, acceptance-based strategies, and cognitive components (Hahn, 2001; Hayes, Strosahl, & Wilson, 1999; Kassinove & Tafrate, 2002; Levine, 2000). Eight participants completed the study through the 4-week follow-up phase, while one participant dropped out after the first treatment session. Dependent measures were completed during baseline, treatment, and follow-up phases.;It was hypothesized that participants would show reductions in driving anger, driving anger expression, physiological arousal, state anger, and trait anger, as well as increases in adaptive driving behaviors and mindful attention and awareness. Visual inspection and statistical analyses were used to analyze the data. Support was found for the use of MBCT to reduce scores on the Driving Anger Scale, increase scores in Adaptive/Constructive Expression while driving, reduce the frequency of anger and aggressive behaviors reported on the Driving Logs, and reduce scores on the State Anger Scale. Partial support was found for reductions on the Driving Anger Expression Inventory, in the frequency of risky behavior and anger intensity reported on the Driving Logs, and on the Trait Anger Scale. Unexpected results occurred with the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale in that some participants showed increases, while others showed decreases or no change. Theoretical and practical implications of the current findings were discussed. Overall, there was preliminary support for the use of MBCT for driving anger with adults in the community.