Validation studies of a multifactor cognitive-behavioral Anger Control Inventory

A Brief Version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS): Validity Evidence in Ecuadorian Population

Due to the scarcity of evaluation instruments on the construct of difficulties in emotional regulation in the Ecuadorian university context, the objective of the present study was to adapt linguistically and to study the psychometric properties of the Difficulty Scale in Emotional Regulation (DERS) in a sample of Ecuadorian university students. A non-probability sample of 1172 participants between 17 and 32 years of age (M = 21.99; DT = 2.49), which consisted of 58.6% women and 41.4% men, was used. The research was carried out in three stages. The first study evaluated the Ecuadorian linguistic adaptation of the scale. The second study referred to the factorization by main axes identifying five factors (Lack of emotional understanding; Limited access to regulation strategies; Difficulties in impulse control; Interferences in goal-directed behaviors; Lack of emotional clarity) theoretically interpretable, which explain 49.22% of the variance. The third study developed a confirmatory factor analysis that specified an acceptable fit of the model (GFI = .95; AGFI = .95; NFI = .94; RMR = .11). The reliability coefficients are acceptable as .90 Cronbach’s alpha and .91 McDonald’s omega. In conclusion, it is mentioned that the Ecuadorian version of the DERS in a university sample exhibits good psychometric characteristics of internal structure and responses.

Measuring anger in patients experiencing chronic pain - A systematic review

Anger is prevalent in chronic pain and has been associated with pain perception, disability, behavior and treatment outcome. Objectives were (1) to survey in the context of chronic pain the application (and omission) of validated anger self-report instruments, (2) to discuss the instruments found in the context of emotion theories and (3) to identify a possible instrument preference. A systematic search of textbooks and review articles was first performed on validated instruments designed to measure the cognitive, the motivational and the subjective feeling component of anger. Thereafter, a systematic review aimed at finding chronic pain studies from 2005 to 2019 reporting on these instruments. Textbooks and reviews listed 16 validated self-report anger measurement instruments. 28 papers applying four of these were identified and two new instruments were additionally detected. The State-Trait Anger Expression (STAXI) and its precursors were most commonly used. Studies on chronic low back pain patients prevailed. In conclusion, anger in chronic pain patients is reliably measurable at low cost with self-report tools. The STAXI-II qualifies best for this purpose based on its extensive validation history. The majority of instruments lack sufficient theoretical and psychometric adequacy. A more detailed exploration of the cognitive anger component in chronic pain patients in future research is recommended.

Intent to harm or injure? Gender and the expression of anger

Gender differences in aggressive behaviour but not in anger suggest that women may express anger through behaviours that lack intent to harm or injure. Angry behaviours (injurious and noninjurious) were rated in terms of their likelihood of use when angry (N=888). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a direct aggression factor and two further scales: explosive acts (e.g. throwing objects when alone) and defusing acts (e.g. talking to a third party). Men exceeded women on direct aggression and explosive acts, whereas women exceeded men on defusing acts. Expressive beliefs about aggression (as a loss of self-control) were higher among women and strongly associated with use of defusing acts and the avoidance of direct aggression. Instrumental beliefs about aggression (as a means of control over others) were higher among men and showed the opposite pattern of associations. We highlight the need for further work on actors' intention in relation to angry behaviours and the impact of context on these intentions.

La hostilidad y su relación con los trastornos cardiovasculares

Uno de los campos más desarrollados en el ámbito de la Psicología de la Salud es el de los aspectos psicológicos que intervienen en la enfermedad cardíaca. Dentro de los constructos psicológicos más estudiados se encuentra el de la hostilidad. Inicialmente componente del patrón de conducta tipo A, se han ido desarrollando diferentes formas de referirla, y por consiguiente, de medirla. En este artículo se analizan algunas de las nociones más citadas sobre la hostilidad y otras manifestaciones asociadas, los modelos explicativos de su relación con los trastornos cardiovasculares - en especial el de la hiperreactividad cardiovascular - y los instrumentos que se desarrollaron para su evaluación. Por último, se discuten las actuales implicancias del uso del constructo, así como las áreas de investigación a desarrollar para delimitar mejor este factor que ha sido referido en forma diversa, y consiguientemente ha reportado en los diferentes estudios resultados no siempre consistentes entre sí.

Clinical outcome and client satisfaction of an anger management group program

This retrospective quasi-experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of an anger management group program for clients with mental health problems. The program, based on the cognitive-behavioral approach, was offered by outpatient mental health occupational therapy services of a community general hospital. Sixty-four clients, about 59% diagnosed with depressive disorder, enrolled in the program and participated in the study. The pre-treatment and post-treatment scores of the participants on the Anger Control Inventory and the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory were compared. The results indicated significant reduction in the overall experience of intense anger, improvement in cognitive and behavioural coping mechanisms, and significant improvement in anger control after treatment. Most respondents (90%) found the program definitely helpful. The pace of the program and the variety of learning activities were identified as areas for improvement. The results showed the program had positive impact on anger management. Useful suggestions were identified for continuous quality improvements of the program.