Aggression Questionnaire hostility scale predicts anger in response to mistreatment

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology

Background:

• The Buss and Perry (1992) Aggression Questionnaire assesses hostility and anger.
• Understanding individual differences in anger response to mistreatment is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test if hostility and anger scales predict anger in college students experiencing mistreatment.
• To validate the construct validity of the Aggression Questionnaire's hostility scale.

Main Methods:

• College students completed the Buss and Perry Aggression Questionnaire.
• Participants experienced a provocation task involving observed cheating.
• Anger, anxiety, and depression levels were measured at baseline and post-provocation.

Main Results:

• The high hostility group reported significantly greater anger than the low hostility group after provocation.
• Hostility, but not the anger scale, predicted increased anger following mistreatment.
• Hostility also influenced anxiety and depression levels.

Conclusions:

• The hostility scale of the Aggression Questionnaire is a valid measure of suspicion, resentment, and sensitivity to mistreatment.
• Hostility is a key predictor of anger responses to interpersonal provocation.
• Individual differences in hostility significantly impact emotional and psychological responses to negative social interactions.