Anger and anger expression in relation to perceptions of social rank, entrapment and depressive symptoms

This study explored the relationship between self-report measures of anger and anger expression with those of social rank (unfavourable social comparison and submissive behaviour) and feelings of entrapment in a student population (n=197). We further investigated if the social rank/status of the target of oneʹs anger affects anger experience and expression. Students were given Spielbergerʹs (1988) [Spielberger, C.D. (1988) Manual for the state-trait anger expression inventory (STAXI). Odessa, FL, Psychological Assessment Resources.] STAXI measure of anger and asked to complete it in three ways. First, in the normal way, and then two further times after reading two scenarios that involved lending an important and needed book which the lender fails to return, where the lender was either an up rank/authority figure (oneʹs tutor) or a down rank, fellow student. It was found that self-perceptions of unfavourable rank (inferior self-perceptions and submissive behaviour) and feeling trapped significantly affect anger suppression. It was also found that the rank of the target significantly affects anger expression and that people who respond angrily to criticism tend to show more down rank-anger when they are frustrated by a lower rank target and modulate their anger according to the rank of the person they are angry with.