A multimethod approach to measuring anger in children

In order to investigate the relationship between self-reported anger, peer-report of anger, teacher ratings of anger, and the presence of anger management problems in emotionally disturbed children, 38 children in a psychiatric hospital served as subjects. Results indicated that there was a significant relationship between a child's self-report score obtained on the Children's Inventory of Anger and his or her behavior as perceived by peers and as presented at the time of admission to the hospital. Teacher ratings were related to peer reports but not to either self-report or the presenting problems that brought the child to the hospital. Results were discussed in terms of their implications for future research and the need to view anger from different perspectives.