Refining the anger consequences questionnaire

Clinicians and researchers are often faced with the difficult task of assessing individuals with anger problems. Norm-referenced measures provide a useful adjunct to interview methods but do not routinely assess the consequences of a client’s anger. The present study was conducted to refine the Anger Consequences Questionnaire (ACQ), a promising instrument developed through cluster analysis. After common factor analysis suggested a 6-factor solution, the construct validity of the revised ACQ was supported through relationships with trait anger, anger expression/control, aggression, hostility, stress, depression, and anxiety. Regression analyses showed that aggressive anger consequences (e.g., physical and verbal aggression, property damage, etc.) and damaged relationships were predicted by trait anger and aggressive anger expression. In contrast, the experience of negative emotions (e.g., depression, anxiety, guilt, etc.) and self-harm as a result of one’s anger were predicted by trait anger and anger suppression.