Reducing anger induced by ego threat: Use of vulnerability expression and influence of trait characteristics

Abstract

Ego threat is a potent instigator of anger and aggression. Anger can be a defence against unpleasant emotion and therefore acknowledging vulnerability should reduce angry feelings. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to anger expression, vulnerability expression or distraction conditions. They were presented with four scenarios describing ego-threatening situations. Each script was presented twice. After the first presentation, all participants rated how angry they felt. After the second, they wrote down feelings or words according to their assigned condition and then rated their anger again. They then completed the reading reaction time task to assess aggressive cognitions. They rated themselves on traits of narcissism, anger and self-concept clarity. All participants became angry after story presentation. This was maintained after anger expression and reduced after vulnerability expression and distraction. Individual differences were found to be important. Participants with an angry disposition showed increased aggressive cognitions after expressing anger. Trait anger predicted angry mood pre and post task, poor self-concept clarity and aggressive cognitions. Narcissism was associated with angry mood after hearing ego threat stories. Acknowledging vulnerability in ego threat situations leads to correct mood labelling and may have positive benefits on health.