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The Experience, Expression, and Control of Anger

  • Chapter
Individual Differences, Stress, and Health Psychology

Part of the book series: Contributions to Psychology and Medicine ((CONTRIBUTIONS))

Abstract

In this chapter, Spielberger, Krasner, and Solomon concentrate upon the sensation that is called anger, hostility, or aggression. They liken anger to a state emotion and hostility to a trait, whereas the label aggression is reserved for the behavioral expression of the first two. They refer to the structure of these three concepts as the AHA! Syndrome. The chapter begins with a thorough review of the history of the relationship between anger and psychosomatics. Also featured is a discussion of the role of anger in the Type A behavior pattern and on the nature of anger itself. Following a brief review of the history of attempts to measure hostility and anger, we are introduced to the State-Trait Anger Scale (STAS) developed by Spielberger and his colleagues. The authors then provide an in-depth review of research and thinking on the nature of the expression of anger; that is, whether it is directed inward (suppressed) or outward (expressed). The nature and meaning of the control of anger is also reviewed. We are presented with the principal psychometric data related to the development of the Anger Expression Scale (AX), which measures anger-in, anger-out, and anger-control. In concluding, the authors explain the need for scales such as the STAS and AX and describe their usefulness in individual difference and health research.

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Authors
  1. Charles D. Spielberger
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  2. Susan S. Krasner
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  3. Eldra P. Solomon
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winninpeg, Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Canada

    Michel Pierre Janisse Ph.D.

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© 1988 Springer-Verlag New York Inc.

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Spielberger, C.D., Krasner, S.S., Solomon, E.P. (1988). The Experience, Expression, and Control of Anger. In: Janisse, M.P. (eds) Individual Differences, Stress, and Health Psychology. Contributions to Psychology and Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3824-9_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3824-9_5

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-8367-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4612-3824-9

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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