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Irrational Beliefs and the Experience and Expression of Anger

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Abstract

The present study assessed rational-emotive theories of anger by examining the interrelationships of irrational beliefs and the experience and expression of anger. An audiotaped anger-provoking scenario was used to determine whether irrational beliefs predicted state anger and hostile thoughts following provocation. After completing measures of irrational beliefs, trait anger, and anger expression and control, 161 college students were exposed to the provoking stimulus, which was followed by measures of state anger and hostile thoughts. Findings showed both low frustration tolerance and awfulizing were related to trait anger, anger suppression, and outward anger expression. Only low frustration tolerance was related to state anger following provocation. However, awfulizing was associated with all hostile thoughts, and both self-directed shoulds and self-worth were associated with derogatory thoughts about others. Only awfulizing had incremental validity over trait anger, and then, only in the prediction of derogatory thoughts.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Southern Mississippi, USA

    Ryan C. Martin

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Southern Mississippi, Southern Station Box 5025, Hattiesburg, MS, 39406-5025

    Eric R. Dahlen

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  1. Ryan C. Martin
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  2. Eric R. Dahlen
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Martin, R.C., Dahlen, E.R. Irrational Beliefs and the Experience and Expression of Anger. Journal of Rational-Emotive & Cognitive-Behavior Therapy 22, 3–20 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JORE.0000011574.44362.8f

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JORE.0000011574.44362.8f

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