Preliminary validation of a Chinese version of the State‐Trait Anger Expression Inventory‐2

Abstract

The increased globalization of psychology and related fields necessitates the availability of psychometric instruments in a number of languages, countries and cultures. Unfortunately, research on anger and aggression in Chinese populations has suffered from a lack of valid and reliable measurement instruments. Therefore, the State‐Trait Anger Expression Inventory‐2 (STAXI‐2) was translated into Chinese (Chinese STAXI‐2). Two samples of Hong Kong Chinese (N = 489 and N = 775) completed the Chinese STAXI‐2. Participants in the second sample also completed measures of anger rumination and aggression. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of responses from the first sample resulted in the loss of nine items from the 57 original items due to misspecification. A second CFA, using responses from the second sample, supported the construct validity of the modified scale. Moderate correlations were observed with measures of aggression and anger rumination, and significant differences were found between males and females on three anger expression subscales (Anger Expression‐In, Anger Control‐Out, and Anger Control‐In). The preliminary evidence suggests that the abbreviated inventory may be a useful measure of state and trait anger, and anger expression in some Chinese populations.