Magnitude of problematic anger and its predictors in the Millennium Cohort

Amy B Adler,Isabel G Jacobson,David Forbes,Kimberly A Roenfeldt,Cynthia A Leardmann

doi:10.1186/s12889-020-09206-2

Abstract

BackgroundProblematic anger is intense anger associated with elevated generalized distress and that interferes with functioning. It also confers a heightened risk for the development of mental health problems. In military personnel and veterans, previous studies examining problematic anger have been constrained by sample size, cross-sectional data, and measurement limitations.MethodsThe current study used Millennium Cohort survey data (N = 90,266) from two time points (2013 and 2016 surveys) to assess the association of baseline demographics, military factors, mental health, positive perspective, and self-mastery, with subsequent problematic anger.ResultsOverall, 17.3% of respondents reported problematic anger. In the fully adjusted logistic regression model, greater risk of problematic anger was predicted by certain demographic characteristics as well as childhood trauma and financial problems. Service members who were in the Army or Marines, active duty (vs. reserves/national guard), and previously deployed with high levels of combat had increased risk for problematic anger. Veterans were also more likely to report problematic anger than currently serving personnel. Mental health predictors included posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and comorbid PTSD/MDD. Higher levels of positive perspective and self-mastery were associated with decreased risk of problematic anger.ConclusionNot only did 1 in 6 respondents report problematic anger, but risk factors were significant even after adjusting for PTSD and MDD, suggesting that problematic anger is more than an expression of these mental health problems. Results identify potential targets of early intervention and clinical treatment for addressing problematic anger in the military and veteran context.

Highlights

Problematic anger is intense anger associated with elevated generalized distress and that interferes with functioning
Anger may be culturally acceptable, and many service members report that they believe anger is helpful to them in functioning, high levels of anger have been associated with worse outcomes [3]
Participants who experienced any type of life stressor or had a probable mental disorder (p < 0.001) or problem drinking (p < 0.001) were proportionally more likely to report problematic anger (Table 1)

Summary

Introduction

Problematic anger is intense anger associated with elevated generalized distress and that interferes with functioning. It confers a heightened risk for the development of mental health problems. When expressed appropriately, it may be useful. Anger may be an accepted emotion [1] and associated with benefits such as prosocial advocacy, promoting critical change, or improving subordinate performance [2]. Intensity, and duration, anger can be considered “problematic anger” when it reaches a point where it is associated with elevated generalized distress, and begins to interfere with functioning [4].

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Discussion

Conclusion