High general anger: Correlates and treatment

Abstract

Two studies on high general anger are reported. In Study 1 high anger Ss reported significantly more general anger, situational anger, anger-related physiological arousal, frequency and intensity of daily anger and general anxiety than low anger Ss. In response to provocation, heart rates (HRs) did not differ, but high anger Ss reported more state anger and tendencies to be verbally and physically antagonistic and lowered tendency to cope constructively. A regression on general anger revealed that general anxiety, coping through verbal antagonism, and average daily level of anger entered the regression and accounted for 70% of the variance. In Study 2, high anger was treated with a relaxation coping skills intervention. Compared to controls, treated Ss reported less general and situational anger, and less state anger, verbal and physical antagonism and greater constructive coping when provoked. These gains were maintained at 5-week and 1-year follow-ups. Groups did not differ on HR when provoked, daily anger ratings or trait anxiety. One-year follow-up, however, revealed significantly lower general anxiety for treated Ss. Results were discussed in terms of the characteristics of high anger Ss, the role of general anxiety in general anger and the usefulness of self-control relaxation approaches for anger reduction.