State-Trait Anger Theory and the utility of the Trait Anger Scale.

Deffenbacher, Jerry L., Oetting, Eugene R., Thwaites, Gregory A., Lynch, Rebekah S., Baker, Deborah A., Stark, Robert S., Thacker, Stacy, Eiswerth-Cox, Lora·1996·Journal of Counseling Psychology
DOI 10.1037//0022-0167.43.2.131

Abstract

Eight studies present support for state-trait anger theory. In Studies 1-3, high-anger participants reported (a) greater anger in many different provocations, in their most angering ongoing situations, and in daily life, (b) greater anger-related physiological arousal, (c) greater state anger and dysfunctional coping in response to a visualized provocation, and (d) greater use of suppression and outward negative expression of anger. Only heart rate in the visualized provocation did not support predictions. In Studies 4-5, high-anger individuals suffered more frequent and intense anger consequences. In Studies 6-8, trait anger had higher correlations with dimensions of anger than with other emotions, cognitions, and behaviors. Few gender differences were found across studies. Results were discussed in terms of state-trait theory, convergent and discriminant validity for the Trait Anger Scale, anger expression, gender, and the implications for counseling.

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Cited by (6)

  1. The Driving Anger Expression Inventory: a measure of how people express their anger on the road
    Deffenbacher, Jerry L., Lynch, Rebekah S., Oetting, Eugene R., Swaim, Randall C. · 2002 · Behaviour Research and Therapy
  2. Aggression, Impulsivity, and Suicide Behavior: A Review of the Literature
    Gvion, Yari, Apter, Alan · 2011 · Archives of Suicide Research
  3. The expression of anger and its consequences
    Deffenbacher, Jerry L., Oetting, Eugene R., Lynch, Rebekah S., Morris, Chad D. · 1996 · Behaviour Research and Therapy
  4. Anger Assessment in Clinical and Nonclinical Populations: Further Validation of the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2: Further Validation of the STAXI-2
    Lievaart, Marien, Franken, Ingmar H.A., Hovens, Johannes E. · 2016 · Journal of Clinical Psychology
  5. Masculine Responses to Loss: Clinical Implications
    Doka, Kenneth J., Martin, Terry · 1998 · Journal of Family Studies

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This page
CoChat. (2026). Citation check: State-Trait Anger Theory and the utility of the Trait Anger Scale. https://app.cochat.ai/papers/10.1037//0022-0167.43.2.131
The paper
Deffenbacher, J. L., Oetting, E. R., Thwaites, G. A., Lynch, R. S., Baker, D. A., Stark, R. S., Thacker, S., & Eiswerth-Cox, L. (1996). State-Trait Anger Theory and the utility of the Trait Anger Scale. Journal of Counseling Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-0167.43.2.131

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