Citation

Rude SS, Chrisman JG, Burton Denmark A, Maestas KL. Can. J. Behav. Sci. 2012; 44(3): 200-209.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Canadian Psychological Association, Publisher Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1037/a0027496

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The focus of this two-part study was on distinguishing maladaptive expressions of anger (hostility) from adaptive forms (direct anger). Observational codes assessing the dimensions of hostility and direct anger were developed and applied to a videotaped task in which women discussed a conflictual topic with their romantic partners. Scales showed acceptable interrater reliability and convergent and discriminant validity. In a preliminary test of the predictive validity of these scales, their distinct roles in predicting psychological outcome were supported: Direct anger was negatively related and hostility was positively related to subsequent depressive symptoms in 23 formerly depressed women across a 6-18 month follow-up period.

RESULTS support the importance of further theoretical and empirical work to delineate adaptive and maladaptive expressions of anger. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)

Keywords

Anger; Conflict; Hostility; Human Females; Interpersonal Interaction; Major Depression; Symptoms