Characteristics and treatment of high-anger drivers.

Abstract

This paper reports on some characteristics of high-anger drivers in comparison with low-anger drivers. A client analogue of angry drivers reported more frequent and intense anger, aggressive and risky behavior, and accidents (mainly minor accidents or near-accidents) than low-anger drivers, but the groups did not differ on major accidents or moving violations. Angry drivers reported more trait anger and anxiety, anger suppression and outward, less-controlled forms of anger expression. Relaxation and cognitive-relaxation interventions lowered driving anger compared with an untreated control. The cognitive-relaxation intervention was superior on risky behavior, while the relaxation intervention was superior on other measures. Interventions did not influence trait anger, anxiety or general anger expression. State-trait anger theory, construct validity of the trait driver anger measure and the feasibility of driving anger reduction are supported by these findings.

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