Trait Anger, Anger Expression, and Suicide Attempts Among Adolescents and Young Adults: A Prospective Study

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Stephanie Daniel, Deputy Director (Creator)
Andrew Mayfield, Research Associate/Associate Project Manager (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Previous studies of the relationship between anger, anger expression, and suicidal behavior have been largely cross-sectional and have yielded mixed findings. In a prospective, naturalistic study, we examined how trait anger and anger expression influenced the likelihood of suicide attempts among 180 adolescents followed for up to 13.3 years after discharge from an inpatient psychiatry unit. Results showed that higher trait anger and anger expressed outwardly over the follow-up was related to increased likelihood of suicide attempts among boys. For girls, trait anger and both the inward and outward expression of anger moderated the risk for suicide attempts associated with major depression. These results are interpreted in light of theory regarding behavioral activation and behavioral inhibition systems.

Additional Information

Publication
Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 38(5), 661-671
Language: English
Date: 2009
Keywords
anger, anger expression, suicidal behavior, trait anger, anger expression, behavioral activation, behavioral inhibition systems

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