The experience and expression of anger in maritally violent and maritally discordant-nonviolent men

Abstract

We examined the experience and expression of anger in community samples of 31 maritally violent (MV), 23 maritally dissatisfied-nonviolent (DNV), and 34 maritally satisfied-nonviolent (SNV) men. Two methods were used to assess anger. First, participants completed the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), which assesses respondents' level of anger experience (State Anger, Trait Anger) and usage of various anger expression styles (Anger In, Anger Out, and Anger Control). Second, participants verbally reported their emotions during a laboratory anger-induction paradigm (Articulated Thoughts in Simulated Situations; ATSS). Results indicated that, relative to DNV and SNV men, MV men scored significantly higher on the STAXI Trait Anger and Anger Out scales, and lower on STAXI Anger Control. MV men articulated a significantly higher number of insulting, demeaning, and belligerent aggressive verbalizations during ATSS anger arousal. Surprisingly, no significant differences were found among the groups in the number of angry verbalizations articulated during ATSS anger arousal. In addition, few relationships were noted between STAXI-assessed anger and ATSS anger verbalizations in MV men. Implications for theories of marital anger and aggression are discussed.