Sibling bullying perpetration: Associations with gender, grade, peer perpetration, trait anger, and moral disengagement

This study investigated bullying amongst siblings in both traditional and cyber forms, and the associations of gender, grade, peer bullying perpetration, trait anger and moral disengagement. The participants were 455 children in grades 5 to 12 (262 girls and 177 boys with 16 unknown gender) who had a sibling. As the number of siblings who only bullied by technology was low, these associations were not able to be calculated. However, the findings showed that the percentage of sibling traditional bullying perpetration (31.6%) was higher than peer bullying perpetration (9.8%). Sibling bullies reported engaging in complex behaviours of perpetration and victimisation in both the physical and in cyber settings, although the number was small. Gender, trait anger, moral disengagement and bullying peers at school (but not grade) were all significantly associated with sibling traditional bullying perpetration. The implications of the findings are discussed for bullying intervention and prevention programs to understand childhood bullying in diverse contexts.

Correlates of traditional bullying and cyberbullying perpetration among Australian students

This study investigated the associations of gender, age, trait anger, moral disengagement, witnessing of interparental conflict, school connectedness and the religious makeup of the school setting in the involvement in traditional bullying and cyberbullying perpetration. Five hundred Australian students completed an anonymous self-report, paper-based questionnaire. According to the results, 25.2% of the participants reported having engaged in traditional or cyberbullying perpetration. While trait anger and moral disengagement were associated with being a traditional bully, trait anger, interparental conflicts, moral disengagement and school connectedness were associated with being a traditional bully-victim. Additionally, trait anger and moral disengagement were associated with being a traditional-and-a-cyberbully. Our findings indicated that besides individual variables, the family and school environment have an impact on traditional and cyberbullying perpetration behavior. Results imply that any prevention attempts to reduce traditional and cyberbullying should consider students’ experiences both at home and at school.

The role of perspective taking in anger arousal

Although there are strong grounds to expect that perspective taking deficits are associated with anger arousal following an interpersonal provocation, there has been little research directly testing this hypothesis. In this study, 636 volunteers were asked to rate their likely reactions to two brief video representations of potentially anger arousing social transgressions. Results confirm the relationship between dispositional perspective taking and the likelihood of anger arousal following an interpersonal provocation. Perspective taking was also predictive of trait anger (negatively) and of the means of control and expression of anger. Associations between personal distress and anger measures indicate the possible influence of the intensity, regulation, and direction of emotion on anger.

The role of empathy in anger arousal in violent offenders and university students

A lack of empathic responsiveness toward others has been consistently identified as an important antecedent to aggressive behavior and violent crime, with many rehabilitation programs for violent offenders incorporating treatment modules that are specifically designed to increase offender empathy. This study examined the extent to which cognitive (perspective taking) and affective (empathic concern, personal distress) empathy predicted anger in a clinical (male prisoners convicted of a violent offense) and a nonclinical (student) sample. Perspective taking emerged as the strongest predictor of self-reported anger in response to an interpersonal provocation, as well as being most consistently related to scores on measures of general trait anger and methods of anger control. While the relationship between perspective taking and anger was apparent for offenders as well as students, the results did not support the idea that an inability to perspective take is a particular characteristic of violent offenders.

The impact of masculinity on anger arousal in ambiguous situations

This study aimed to investigate the influence of sex and gender role identity on anger experience at varying levels of provocation in a sample of 585 Australian students. Participants viewed videotaped vignettes of a potentially anger-triggering event where the intent of another person was either ambiguous or unambiguous. Measures of self-predicted anger, trait anger, and gender role identity were then completed. Results supported the hypothesis that it is gender role identity rather than sex that is more closely related to angry emotion. There was, however, no support for the hypothesis that anger arousal would be greater in circumstances in which the intention behind a provoking event is ambiguous when the respondent identifies with a masculine gender role. The implications of these findings for the development of anger management programs are discussed.

Experience and expression of anger among Australian prisoners and the relationship between anger and reintegration variables

We examined the experience and expression of anger among a group of Australian prisoners prior to and following prison release, as well as the relationship between anger and several reintegration variables. Participants were 79 adult prisoners (54 male, 25 female) who completed the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI-2) 1 month prior to release and again at 1 to 4 weeks and 3 to 4 months post-release. A postrelease questionnaire was also administered at the two postrelease points focusing on the quality of life conditions experienced following release. Mean state and trait anger scores were significantly higher at pre-release than post-release. As well, higher levels of anger expression and anger control were reported at pre-release compared with post-release. Higher age was related to lower state anger at post-release, whereas several variables were related to trait anger at post-release. Theoretical implications for reintegration theory are discussed, together with practical applications.

Measures of anger and hostility in adults

This chapter consists of psychometrically-oriented reviews of 16 self-report tests of anger or hostility in adults. We begin with the historic Buss-Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI: Buss & Durkee, 1957), but focus more importantly on its factor analytically improved and updated revision, the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ: Buss & Perry, 1992). Next we turn our attention to scales utilizing hypothetical anger-provoking scenarios: the Anger Self-Report Questionnaire (ASR: Reynolds et al., 1994), the Reaction Inventory (RI; version by Cho et al., 2009) and the Novaco Anger Scale and Provocation Inventory (NAS-PI: Novaco, 1994, 2003). This is followed by the Multidimensional Anger Inventory (MAI: Siegel, 1986) and the widely-used State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI: Spielberger, 1988, 1999). In the second section, nine additional self-report tests are reviewed. These are generally newer and less embellished with psychometric details, and hence they are reviewed relatively briefly. Together, the reviews enable comparisons of the 16 self-report instruments in terms of various aspects of reliability and validity.

The development of a short scale measuring aggressiveness and anger in competitive athletes

Objectives: The study of aggression and anger in competitive sport relies on accurate and economical measurement via observation, interview and questionnaire. Unfortunately, extant questionnaires have been criticised for having poor validity, are not sport specific, or reflect mood states rather than trait qualities. Therefore, a measure of trait anger and aggressiveness in competitive athletes was developed. Method: A list of statements representing aggressiveness and anger was generated and distributed to competitive athletes from diverse sports. Exploratory and confirmatory analyses were used to verify the theoretically predicted factor structure. Correlations with an extant measure of aggression and anger were used to ascertain concurrent validity. Discriminant validity was tested by comparing males with females, and aggressive with non-aggressive footballers. Results: A 12-item scale (Competitive Aggressiveness and Anger Scale, CAAS) consisting of two subscales was derived using principal component factor analysis with oblimin rotation. Confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modelling confirmed the overall structure. Test-retest correlation, construct and discriminant validities were good, supporting the utility of the scale as a measure of athlete trait aggressiveness and anger. Conclusions: The CAAS appears to be a useful measure of athletic anger and aggressiveness. Its brevity and ability to discriminate aggressive from non-aggressive athletes should prove useful for future research concerning aggressive behaviour in competitive athletes. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Discrimination in clinical settings and its relationship to depression and anger in women living with HIV

Objectives: To describe the frequency of feared discrimination in various social situations and of perceived discrimination in clinical settings, as well as to study the relationship between discrimination and depression and anger in women living with human immunodeiciency virus (HIV). Material and methods: The scale of Feared and Perceived Discrimination for Women with HIV (DTP-40-MV), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-2), and the Anger Expression scale of State-Trait-anger expression inventory (STaXi-2-aX/eX) were applied to a random sample of 200 women living with HIV. Results: These women feared being discriminated against, perceived discrimination upon the review of medical records, but perceived little discrimination in clinical care. a model with good adjustment to the data showed that the fear of being discriminated against creates a disposition toward perception of discrimination in the clinical settings (latent variable with 2 indicators: review of the medical records and clinical care) and increases cognitive/affective depressive symptoms; higher anger control decreases the anger manifestation; greater discrimination perceived in the clinical settings decreases anger control, which facilitates the expression of anger and slows cognitive/affective depressive symptoms; and these latter symptoms sensitize the perception of discrimination before the clinical records. Conclusion: Feared discrimination is a clinically relevant aspect due to its frequency and effect on depressive symptoms and perception of discrimination before the review of medical records.

The relationship between emotional state and other variables influencing successful reintegration of ex-prisoners

This study investigated the multiple, complex, dynamic and interactive variables influencing successful reintegration of ex-prisoners, with a particular focus on the role of emotional state in the reintegration process. This involved conduct of a survey to a large group of prisoners approaching release and subsequently following release from prisons in Victoria and Queensland. Participants were 101 adult prisoners who completed a pre-release questionnaire one month prior to their release that focused on prison-related variables, participant background, and anticipated conditions upon release. A post-release questionnaire was administered to the same participants at one to four weeks and three to four months post-release, focusing on the quality of life conditions experienced following release. As well, the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory were completed at each interview. Of interest, was the level and degree of change in prisoner ratings of depression, anxiety, and anger at pre-release and extending over the post-release period. As well, the strength of relationship between emotional state and the main variables influencing reintegration was investigated; that is, the degree to which reintegration variables (such as social support, drug use, post-release program participation, rated health) are associated with depression, anxiety, and anger among ex-prisoners. The report commences with the description of an ecological model of community reintegration that enables the main variables that may influence reintegration of ex-prisoners to be easily conceptualised and understood. A review of the international and Australian literature relevant to community reintegration of ex-prisoners is then presented, consistent with this conceptual framework, with a specific emphasis on the role of emotional state in post-release outcomes for this group. In the second section, the study design and method are described, with the results presented in the third section. The fourth and final section of the report includes a discussion of the results, implications for reintegration theory, and practical implications for promoting successful reintegration of ex-prisoners.

Presa di decisione in situazioni rischiose: effetto della rabbia

The current studies assessed the role of trait anger and anger expression styles on risk decision-making in adulthood, adolescence and childhood. In the first experiment 158 adults completed the STAXI-2 and an inventory consisting of a battery of hypothetical everyday decision-making scenarios. Participants were also asked to evaluate the perception of risk for each chosen option and some contextual characteristics, that are familiarity and salience for each scenario. The study provides evidence for a relationship between individual differences in the tendency to feel and express anger and risky decisions and for mediation effects of familiarity and salience appraisals. Moreover, results indicated that trait anger was predictive of risk perception and they provide evidence for a positive relationship between risk decision-making and risk perception. In the second study, we examined the relationship between specific components of anger (i.e., cognitive, affective and behavioural) and risk decision-making in adolescents. 101 subjects completed specific tasks, measuring risk decision-making, assessed using hypothetical choice scenarios, and anger, evaluated through the STAXI-CA and the MSAI-R. Results showed that adolescents higher on hostility, anger experience and destructive expression, make more risky decisions in everyday life situations. Moreover, regression analyses indicated that destructive expression of anger and hostility were predictive of adolescents’ risky decisions. In the third experiment, 104 children completed three tasks: the STAXI-CA, the MSAI-R and a task measuring risk decision-making in everyday situations. Subjects were also asked to evaluate the degree of danger, benefit, fun and fear perceived for each risky choice. Analyses indicated that: (a) risk decision-making was predicted by both trait anger and outward expression of anger; (b) destructive expression o anger was predictive of children’s risky decisions; (c) appraisal of danger fully mediated the relation between trait anger and risk; (d) perceptions of benefit, scare and fun partially mediated the relationship between trait anger and risk; and (e) appraisal of danger partially mediated the relationship between outward expression of anger and risk decision-making. The results provide evidence for a relationship between dispositional anger and risk decision-making during childhood, suggesting a possible explanation of the mechanisms below. In particular, risk decision-making can be viewed as the output of cognitive and emotive processes, linked to dispositional anger that leads children to be amused, optimistic and fearless in potentially risky situations. These findings substantiate the importance of incorporating cognitive and emotive factors in theories that seek to explain the relationship between personality traits and risk decision making across a broad range of age.

[What are the physical complaints without pathological clinical signs in patients with diabetes mellitus?]

In previous research it was found that patients with diabetes mellitus suffer from multiple physical symptoms even early in their disease course. Such complaints may relate to blood glucose levels or can be understood as a sign of distress in respect to the diagnosis of a chronic disease. PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate in a cross-sectional analysis all the symptoms that patients may complain of and to relate these symptoms to a possible dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. METHOD: We assessed the complaints of 66 patients with diabetes mellitus and compared these variables with those of patients with psychological disturbances (n = 794) or somatic disease (n = 162). The symptoms were recorded by means of several questionnaires such as the "Giessener Beschwerdebogen" (GBB), "the Freiburger Persönlichkeitsinventar" (FPI), the German version of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the German version of the State Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI). The autonomic nervous system was assessed using resting and mental stress conditions in a subset of patients with diabetes mellitus (n = 29) and psychological disturbances (n = 44). RESULTS: Patients suffering from diabetes mellitus and psychological disturbances showed a tendency to higher scores in GBB, STAI and STAXI. As far as psychological disturbances are concerned, the complaints experienced by patients with diabetes mellitus were found to be similar to those with somatic diseases. Both groups, however, rate clearly below those with psychological disturbances. The results of autonomic testing showed a significant disturbance in patients with diabetes mellitus with reduced sensitivity of the baroreceptor indicating autonomic neuropathy. CONCLUSION: Some of the physical complaints of patients with diabetes mellitus can be understood in connection with autonomic dysfunction. Moreover, an explicitly psychological view of these complaints may not be correct.

Entwicklung und Validierung einer Skala der Bereitschaft zu verzeihen (SBV)

Verzeihen dient der Bewältigung von Kränkungen und zwischenmenschlichen Konflikten. Es werden Definitionen und Operationalisierungen aus dem englischen Sprachraum vorgestellt. Die Entwicklung eines deutschsprachigen szenarienbasierten Instruments zur Erhebung der Bereitschaft zu verzeihen wird beschrieben. Es wird eine Differenzierung des Konstruktes in zwei Komponenten vorgeschlagen: (a) die Bereitschaft, anderen Menschen zu verzeihen, wenn diese ihre Tat bedauern, (b) die Bereitschaft, anderen Menschen zu verzeihen, wenn diese ihre Tat nicht bedauern. Die Messeigenschaften der neu entwickelten Skala wurden in fünf Studien an insgesamt 1824 Probanden untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass das Instrument gute psychometrische Eigenschaften besitzt. Die theoretische Differenzierung des Konstrukts wird empirisch bestätigt. Hinweise auf die Konstruktvalidität der Skala ergeben sich aus Zusammenhängen mit theoretisch einschlägigen Referenzkonstrukten: der habituellen Ärgerneigung, der Wahrnehmung und Klarheit über eigene und fremde Gefühle, positiver und negativer Affektivität, den fünf Persönlichkeitsfaktoren und sozialer Erwünschtheit. Für die Konstruktvalidität der Skala sprechen ferner konvergente Korrelationen mit anderen Maßen der Bereitschaft zu verzeihen.

Capacidad predictiva de la ira sobre la ansiedad escolar en estudiantes chilenos de Educación Secundaria

La ira y la ansiedad están relacionadas a través de la vulnerabilidad biológica subyacente en ambos constructos, ya que los individuos reaccionan ante una amenaza con ira o ansiedad. Pero ¿tiene la ira la capacidad para predecir la ansiedad? En este estudio nos hemos propuesto analizar esta capacidad predictiva de la ira sobre la ansiedad escolar en una muestra de 1131 estudiantes chilenos de Educación Secundaria, 560 chicos y 571 chicas (49,51% y 51,49%, respectivamente) todos ellos con edades comprendidas entre los 13 y los 18 años (M=15.30; DE=1.10). La expresión de la ira se midió con el State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory for Children and Adolescents (STAXINA) y la Ansiedad Escolar con el Inventario de Ansiedad Escolar (IAES). Los análisis de regresión logística revelaron que altas puntuaciones en sentimientos de ira, temperamento de ira, expresión interna de ira, ira-estado e ira-rasgo predicen la alta ansiedad. Estos resultados sugieren la necesidad de diseñar y desarrollar programas educativos que ayuden a los estudiantes a canalizar la expresión de la ira y disminuyan los niveles de ansiedad escolar.

The Moderating Role of Personality on Workplace Conflict and Outcomes

The purpose of this study was twofold. The first was to further clarify and expand or understanding of the relationship between interpersonal conflict, incivility, and their roles as stressors in the stressor-strain relationship. The second goal was to examine how neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, trait anger, and sphere specific locus of control moderate the stressor-strain relationship between task conflict, relationship conflict, incivility and workplace and health outcomes. The results suggest that extraversion, neuroticism, conscientiousness, agreeableness, trait anger, and locus of control play significant roles in how workplace aggression affects individuals. These findings suggest that occupations that experience a high level of workplace aggression should consider incorporating these personality traits into their selection system as a way of limiting or reducing the effects workplace aggression can have on individual health, wellbeing, and job outcomes.