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.

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