Abstract
The intensity of angry emotions, frequency of vengeful cognitions, and propensity for aggressive behaviours are likely influenced by the types of coping strategies adopted by the individual. There is a paucity of research in Chinese populations examining the strength of the relationships amongst these variables. Therefore, a cross-sectional survey of Chinese adults was conducted. Participants ( N = 630) completed several questionnaires related to anger, aggression, rumination, and coping strategies. Results suggest that an active coping strategy is moderately effective for the control of anger ( r = −.20), aggression ( r = −.13 to −.23), and vengeful thinking ( r = −.22). In addition, males scored lower than females for measures of active coping (Cohen’s d = −.30) and social support ( d = −.43), but higher for measures of physical aggression ( d = .40), and anger rumination ( d = .31–.57). Active coping appears to be the best strategy to adopt for the control of anger and aggression, but is contrary to some common philosophical traditions used in Chinese populations.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1049-1059 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Personality and Individual Differences |
Volume | 44 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Apr 2008 |
Funding
This research was partially funded by a Competitive Earmarked Research Grant (HKU 7447/05H) awarded by Hong Kong Government’s Research Grants Council to the first author.