High and Low Trait Anger, Angry Thoughts, and the Recognition of Anger Problems

Abstract

This research had two goals: (1) it tested hypotheses of the State-Trait Model of anger, and (2) it explored characteristics that may distinguish individuals with high trait anger who recognize problems with their anger from those who do not recognize anger problems. Regarding the first goal, findings supported three hypotheses tested. In particular, compared to those low in trait anger, individuals with high trait anger reported: (a) more intense anger (intensity hypothesis), p < .001, effect size (η(2)) = .109; (b) more thoughts involving pejorative labeling/denigration, p < .001, η(2) = .280, thoughts of revenge, p < .001, η(2) = .170, more outward, negative anger expression (anger-out), p < .001, η(2) = .229, and more physically aggressive expression, p < .001, η(2) = .046-.123, (aggression hypothesis); and (c) more anger suppression (anger-in), p < .001, η(2) = .231, and fewer thoughts of self-control, p < .001, η(2) = .088, and behavioral efforts to control angry feelings (anger control-in), p < .001, η(2) = .116, and behavior (anger control-out), p < .001, η(2) = .260 (reduced positive coping hypothesis). For the second goal we employed two types of individuals, both with high trait anger: those who identified anger as a personal problem and wanted help, and those who did not identify anger as a personal issue. As a result, compared to those who did not report anger problems, those who reported anger problems demonstrated a higher overall propensity to experience anger (i.e., higher trait anger), p < .01, η(2) = .028, greater anger suppression and harboring grudges (anger-in), p < .001, η(2) = .035, fewer thoughts of self-control, p < .05, η(2) = .015, and attempts to control their angry feelings (anger-control-in), p < .05, η(2) = .016, and behavior (anger-control-out), p < .001, η(2) = .054. Gender was not associated with trait anger or anger problem recognition. Findings were discussed in terms of State-Trait Theory and implications for anger interventions.

High Trait Anger, Interpersonal Context, and the Recognition of Anger Problems

“…Being female (not male) was associated with recognizing anger problems, while other studies did not find gender effects (Alcázar, Deffenbacher, Hernández, et al, 2011;Alcázar, Deffenbacher, et al, 2015). Moreover, being female and having a significant other contributed significantly to recognize anger problems.…”

“…Among the published studies about the recognition of anger problems (Alcázar, Deffenbacher, et al, 2015;Alcázar & Deffenbacher, 2013;Alcázar, Deffenbacher, Hernández, et al, 2011;, none had included the interpersonal context with regard to recognizing anger problems. However, given that anger is an interpersonal emotion, this research explored the extent to which other individuals might impact on the recognition of anger problems.…”

“…Few studies have analyzed gender in the recognition of anger problems (Alcázar, Deffenbacher, Hernández, et al, 2011;Alcázar, Deffenbacher, et al, 2015), showing no gender effects. Gender was included in this research as a demographic variable, without specific predictions.…”

Baixiangdan capsule and Shuyu capsule regulate anger-out and anger-in, respectively: GB1–mediated GABA can regulate 5-HT levels in multiple brain regions

“…Anger is defined as a negative emotional reaction to others’ obstruction and unfair behaviors [ 5 ]. Based on the differences in personal characteristics and enduring propensity [ 6 ], anger typically expresses itself in two opposing ways: anger-in (AI) and anger-out (AO) [ 7 ]. AO is defined as a subjective feeling, classified as “anger directed outward away from the self”, whereas AI is defined as a subjective feeling, classified as “anger directed toward the self” [ 8 ].…”

Baixiangdan Capsule and Shuyu Capsule Regulate Anger-out and Anger-in: GB1&nbsp;Mediated GABA&nbsp;Can Regulate 5-ht Level in the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus

“…In fact,the emotion of anger is de ned as a negative emotional response to goal-blockage and unfair behavior by others 3 . Based on the differences in personal characteristics and enduring propensity 4 , anger usually has two different opposite ways of expression, anger-in and anger-out 5 . Anger-out is de ned as subjective feelings classi ed as"anger directed outward away from the self", however anger-in is de ned as subjective feelings classi ed as "anger directed toward the self 6 .…”