Norms for Five Parameters of Anger: How Do Incarcerated Adults Differ From the Community?

Abstract

The present study generated normative data for anger in a forensic sample in comparison to a non-forensic sample. The former sample comprised 125 incarcerated adults from an adult detention center in a large metropolitan city and the latter consisted of 182 adult patrons of a public library within the same city. Anger was assessed using the Anger Parameters Scale which taps into five parameters: Frequency, Duration, Intensity, Latency, and Threshold. Significant differences were found between both samples on three of the five parameters: incarcerated individuals experienced anger more frequently, more intensely, and for longer periods of time than participants within the non-forensic sample. These findings indicate that certain specific aspects of anger experience require greater clinical attention when treating detainees. The modest but nonsignificant gender differences across these five parameters is consistent with previous research, thus making it appropriate for treatment to target the same parameters of anger in male and female detainees.