Correlates of anger symptoms in women in middle adulthood

Anger is of great interest to health professionals due to its relationship with disease outcomes. However, male samples have been used in most studies examining linkages between anger and health indicators. In this exploratory study, anger symptoms and their cognitive and environmental correlates were examined in a sample of 87 women in middle adulthood.

This descriptive-correlational study involved secondary analyses of data obtained in the third phase of a longitudinal study of health in middle adulthood. Data were collected with a battery of well-established self-report instruments. Descriptive statistics, t tests, and correlational and regression analysis were used.

Significant correlates of anger symptoms included lower optimism, external health locus of control, higher frequency and severity of daily hassles, lower functional social support, and loss of important relationship(s) during the past year. Greater body mass index, inadequate sleep, lack of exercise, drinking, and use of over-the-counter drugs were also associated with anger symptomatology.

Findings regarding the relationship of daily stress and anger were consistent with the Framingham Study. Contrary to expectations, women who reported more anger symptoms were not suppressors of their anger but directed it outward.