Factors associated with anger in cancer patients and their caregivers

In this descriptive, longitudinal study, the authors explored the emotional symptom of anger among cancer patients and their caregivers at home. Anger was measured using an abbreviated version of the Siegel Multidimensional Anger Inventory during three interviews over a 6-month period. The sample consisted of 165 adults with solid tumors and 73 caregivers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to measure the severity of anger and its association with selected demographic factors, symptom distress, functional status, physical caregiving responsibilities, and depression. Findings included overall low, stable anger scores for both patients and their caregivers; and significant associations among anger and symptom distress, age, depression, and church attendance for patients. These findings suggest that anger may be perceived as an unacceptable emotion and may appear in other forms such as symptom distress and depression. Alternative ways for measuring anger need examination and patients and caregivers may need guidance in addressing their anger.