Anger Expression Style and Risk Factors for Stroke

Abstract

Purpose: As anger may be strongly related to stroke, this study examined the relationship between anger expression style (anger-in, anger-out, anger-control) and risk factors for stroke to investigate the possible attribution of anger expression style to stroke incidence. Methods: The cross sectional study design was employed. The 291 participants signed consent forms and completed questionnaires including the anger expression style scales and risk factors for stroke. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test and One-way ANOVA. Results: The highest score among anger expression styles of the participants was from anger-control. Participants with higher mean value of anger-out were current non-smokers, doing regular exercise, having scores above 23 in Body Mass Index, having scores above 90 cm (male) or 80 cm (female) in abdominal circumference, and having scores below 85 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure. Participants with more than 5 risk factors to stroke had the highest score of anger-in. Conclusion: The results of this study implied anger expression style was psychological risk factor for stroke. Further studies to differentiate the anger expression style contributing to the risk of stroke are needed with a longitudinal study design.