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

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 October 2015

Raúl J. Alcázar-Olán Open the ORCID record for Raúl J. Alcázar-Olán [Opens in a new window] ,
Jerry L. Deffenbacher ,
Laura Hernández Guzmán  and
Samuel Jurado Cárdenas
Raúl J. Alcázar-Olán*
Affiliation:
Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla (México)
Jerry L. Deffenbacher
Affiliation:
Colorado State University (USA)
Laura Hernández Guzmán
Affiliation:
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (México)
Samuel Jurado Cárdenas
Affiliation:
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (México)
*
*Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Raúl J. Alcázar-Olán. Universidad Iberoamericana Puebla. Health Sciences. San Andrés Cholula, Puebla (México). E-mail: rulet7@gmail.com, raul.alcazar@iberopuebla.mx
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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 (η2) = .109; (b) more thoughts involving pejorative labeling/denigration, p < .001, η2 = .280, thoughts of revenge, p < .001, η2 = .170, more outward, negative anger expression (anger-out), p < .001, η2 = .229, and more physically aggressive expression, p < .001, η2 = .046-.123, (aggression hypothesis); and (c) more anger suppression (anger-in), p < .001, η2 = .231, and fewer thoughts of self-control, p < .001, η2 = .088, and behavioral efforts to control angry feelings (anger control-in), p < .001, η2 = .116, and behavior (anger control-out), p < .001, η2 = .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, η2 = .028, greater anger suppression and harboring grudges (anger-in), p < .001, η2 = .035, fewer thoughts of self-control, p < .05, η2 = .015, and attempts to control their angry feelings (anger-control-in), p < .05, η2 = .016, and behavior (anger-control-out), p < .001, η2 = .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.

Keywords

aggressionangercognition
Type
Research Article
Information
The Spanish Journal of Psychology , Volume 18 , 2015 , E84
Copyright
Copyright © Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid 2015 

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