Normative data for the Novaco Anger Scale from a non-clinical sample and implications for clinical use.

Abstract

To provide non-clinical normative data for the Novaco Anger Scale. To identify the ability of the scale to discriminate between clinical and non-clinical populations. Postal survey of individuals from a non-clinical sample. A non-clinical sample of 212 NHS employees was sent a questionnaire pack, including the Novaco Anger Scale. A clinical sample of 58 outpatient anger-management referrals was identified from a retrospective case-note analysis. Descriptive data are presented for both samples. t-score conversions are provided, based on the non-clinical data. Results from a discriminant function analysis demonstrated that the Novaco Anger Scale classified participants as clinical or non-clinical with 94% accuracy. From this study it appears that the Novaco Anger Scale is able to discriminate between clinical and non-clinical populations. These data offer further support to the validity of the Novaco Anger Scale and its use in clinical assessment.