Journal of Learning Disabilities and Offending Behaviour

Purpose – High levels of anger have been associated with forensic learning disabled populations. The role of gender within the experience of anger is not clear. This study aims to start exploring the question “Do female forensic patients with learning disabilities have different needs in relation to anger?”

Design/methodology/approach – This study used a between-subjects design with one independent variable: gender. The Novaco Anger Scale and Provocation Inventory was applied. Scores obtained by 12 females were compared with those of 23 males within a forensic psychiatric service for learning disabled patients.

Findings – Significant differences were found between scores, suggesting female forensic patients with learning disabilities experience higher levels of anger than do males, particularly in the arousal domain, and demonstrate difficulties in regulating anger.

Research limitations/implications – The use of a single measure of anger and the small, forensic nature of the sample limits this study. It is recommended that further research address these issues and extend the exploration of this issue to non-forensic populations.

Practical implications – Gender specific differences, and the potential influence of learning disabilities should be considered when assessing and treating anger difficulties. Female forensic patients with learning disabilities may benefit from a greater emphasis on anger arousal reduction work.

Social implications – This study highlights how the impact of gender and learning disabilities on the experience of anger is currently insufficiently understood.

Originality/value – This study forms a preliminary study of anger in the under-researched population of females with learning disabilities.