Date of Submission
2003
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Department
Psychology
Department Chair
Arthur Freeman, Ed.D., ABPP
First Advisor
Robert A. DiTomasso, Ph.D., ABPP, Chairperson
Second Advisor
David Castro-Blanco Ph.D., ABPP
Third Advisor
Raymond DiGiuseppe, Ph.D., ABPP Arthur
Abstract
In comparison with other emotions, such as anxiety and depression, the research literature on anger-related problems is lacking. Anger, and anger-related behaviors pose a critical problem to clinicians and researchers. The inability to identify and treat individuals with a propensity toward aggressive behavior is related to the insufficient empirical evidence defining anger as a diagnosable disorder. An ongoing argument has existed as to the causes and related concepts of anger and aggression. The present study validates a new assessment measure for anger and explores the correlation between prisoners' offense records and specific type of anger expression. The Anger Disorder Scale (ADS) was used as it is based on criteria developed for the proposal of specific anger disorders. Scores on the ADS were correlated with scores on the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAl) to determine a correlation between anger and specific measures of psychopathology in a population of inmates at a state correctional institution. Scores on the ADS were also correlated with inmate's classification records to provide correctional psychologists with profiles of anger and specific treatment recommendations for each anger profile. A positive correlation was found between the ADS and the PAl aggression scales. No correlations were found between ADS scores and classification records. Factor analysis supports the construct validity of the ADS subscales.
Recommended Citation
Wydo, Michael R., "Measuring Anger in a Prison Population Using the Anger Disorders Scale and the Personality Assessment Inventory" (2003). PCOM Psychology Dissertations. 150.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/psychology_dissertations/150