The Development of Anger

Abstract

In this chapter, we use a biopsychosocial perspective to highlight how the experience and expression of anger, as well as skills to regulate anger, develop from complex transactional processes across time and are associated with various aspects of adjustment or maladjustment. In particular, our goals are to (1) provide a discussion of the definition and functional significance of anger; (2) describe the development of anger, including its expression and regulation, at the behavioral and biological levels and within the context of interpersonal relationships; (3) provide a selective review of the links between the expression and regulation of anger and adjustment in terms of externalizing and internalizing behavior problems, social and academic adjustment, and aspects of physical health; and (4) discuss challenges for future research.