Trait anger and sarcasm use

Abstract

Sarcasm can indirectly express aggression, though it might be more cognitively demanding to produce. We expected positive correlations between trait anger and self-reported, but not objective (response choice task) sarcasm use. Results revealed associations between trait anger and self-reported sarcasm use only. Regression analysis showed trait anger to be a significant, independent predictor of self-reported sarcasm use. The results are discussed with reference to expanding the understanding of individual differences in nonliteral language use.