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Anger Responses in Adolescents: Relationship with Punishment and Reward Sensitivity
L J Kreuze1, P J de Jong2, E C Bennik2
1Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS, Groningen, The Netherlands. l.j.kreuze@rug.nl.
Child Psychiatry and Human Development
|June 8, 2021
Summary
Adolescents with high reward or punishment sensitivity may develop anger problems. This is linked to perceiving non-reward or threats, impacting anxiety disorder treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Mental Health
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Comorbid anger problems are common in youth with anxiety disorders.
- This comorbidity is linked to poorer treatment outcomes and long-term negative effects.
- Understanding underlying trait factors is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate trait factors contributing to anger responses in adolescents.
- To examine the role of reward and punishment sensitivity in adolescent anger.
- To explore the mediating pathways of perceived non-reward and threat.
Main Methods:
- Study included 158 adolescents (mean age 15.7 years, 56% female).
- Participants were presented with common anger-eliciting scenarios.
- Statistical analyses examined indirect effects of sensitivity traits on anger.
Main Results:
- High reward sensitivity was associated with anger through perceived non-reward.
- High punishment sensitivity was associated with anger through perceived threat.
- Perceived non-reward also mediated the link between punishment sensitivity and anger.
Conclusions:
- Reward and punishment sensitivity are significant risk factors for adolescent anger problems.
- Heightened threat and non-reward perceptions mediate these associations.
- Findings highlight potential targets for preventing comorbid anger in anxious youth.
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