Abstract

     Identifying adaptive and maladaptive anger management strategies is an important component in violence prevention programs. However, little attention has been paid to examining their influence in minimizing physical, verbal, and romantic relational aggression. This study examined the association between anger, anger management strategies, and different forms of aggression, specifically general physical and verbal aggression toward others and romantic relational aggression. Participants (N = 237; 39.4% males), aged between 19 and 78 years (M = 33.74, SD = 12.92), were assessed using self-reports. Results indicated that elevated levels of anger were a risk factor for displaying physical, verbal, and romantic relational aggression but anger management strategies only had an impact on romantic relational aggression, not physical or verbal aggression. Prevention and intervention programs should first identify the form of aggression displayed and tailor the intervention based on the anger management strategies that are effective. For romantic relational aggression-specific anger management strategies (escalating and negative attribution) should be targeted.

Method

     A total of 307 participants took part in this study. Ten participants (4%) were excluded from the study due to missing data. The final sample consisted of 297 participants, aged between 19 and 78 years (M = 33.74, SD = 12.92). Of the total sample, 180 were females (60.6%) and 117 were males (39.4%). At the time the study was conducted 38.7% (n = 115) of participants were married, .7% (n = 2) were engaged, and 19.5% (n = 58) were in a relationship. Additionally, 38.4% (n = 114) were single, 1.7% (n = 5) were divorced, .7% (n = 2) were separated, and .3% (n = 1) were widowed.

Conclusion

     The present study examined the relationship between anger, anger management strategies, and three forms of aggression. The findings suggest that difficulties in managing feeling of anger would increase the propensity of enacting physical, verbal, and romantic relational aggressive acts. Negative attributions about the partners intentions, the frequent use of escalating and calming strategies to deal with angry feelings were risk factors for displaying relational aggression. The current findings are noteworthy; providing better understanding regarding the relationship between anger (the emotion) and aggression (the behavior) and contribute to the literature by revealing the role of anger management strategies on romantic relational aggression. Lastly, prevention and treatment efforts hoping to address relational aggression in romantic relationships need to reduce anger levels and maladaptive anger management strategies (escalating thoughts and attrition bias) while avoiding calming strategies.