Date of Submission

2009

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Robert A. DiTomasso, Ph.D., ABPP

First Advisor

Robert A. DiTomasso, Ph.D., ABPP, Chairperson

Second Advisor

Virginia Salzer, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Deborah Chiumento, Psy.D.

Abstract

The influence of cognitive schema on negative emotions such as depression and anger has been investigated in a number of prior studies. This study sought to assess the relationship between anger and various components of anger with cognitive distortions, and dysfunctional attitudes in a nonclinical sample. Subjects were 128 adult males and females who completed several measures related to anger and cognitive distortions. The measures were the Mahan and DiTomasso Anger Scale (MAD-AS), the Inventory of Cognitive Distortions (ICD), and the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale (DAS). It was hypothesized that cognitive distortions including depressogenic cognitions, as reflected in various subscales of the measures employed, are significantly related to the degree of anger reported by subjects. Measures of association indicated support for all hypotheses under examination. In particular, cognitive distortions related to magnification; externalization of self-esteem and perfectionism showed a strong or consistent positive relationship to the degree of anger reported by subjects. Furthermore, a strong relationship was found between cognitive distortions (ICD) and several components of anger, including tendencies toward argumentativeness or emotional control. The results are discussed in relationship to cognitive behavioral methods, implications for clinical intervention, and areas of future research.

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