NCJ Number
177299
Journal
Behavior Therapy Volume: 29 Issue: Dated: Pages: 173-191
Date Published
1998
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study attempts to determine whether maritally violent men can be reliably differentiated from nonviolent men in their experience and expression of anger.
Abstract
The study 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. Participants completed the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), which assesses respondents' level of anger experience (State Anger, Trait Anger) and use of various anger expression styles (Anger In, Anger Out, and Anger Control). Participants orally reported their emotions during a laboratory anger-induction paradigm (Articulated Thoughts in Simulated Situations [ATSS]). 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. No significant differences were found among the groups in the number of angry verbalizations articulated during ATSS anger arousal. Few relationships were noted between STAXI-assessed anger and ATSS anger verbalizations in MV men. Notes, tables, references