Using an ecological momentary assessment protocol to understand problem anger in veterans.
Aggression
Anger
Ecological momentary assessment
Veteran
Journal
Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry
ISSN: 1873-7943
Titre abrégé: J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry
Pays: Netherlands
ID NLM: 0245075
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
09 2022
09 2022
Historique:
received:
13
11
2020
revised:
07
03
2022
accepted:
25
04
2022
entrez:
23
6
2022
pubmed:
24
6
2022
medline:
28
6
2022
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Problem anger is highly destructive, and is one of the most commonly reported issues in military and veteran populations. The goal of this study was to use ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to explore and characterize moment-to-moment experiences of problem anger in a sample of Australian veterans. Sixty veterans with problem anger (measured on the Dimensions of Anger Reactions Scale) completed measures of anger and anger rumination, before and after a 10-day EMA period which assessed the frequency, intensity, and expression of momentary anger experiences. Findings showed that 75% of respondents indicated some level of anger during EMA monitoring. In 25% of cases, anger was reported as severe. Moreover, anger was expressed verbally in 43% of cases, and expressed physically in 27% of cases. While anger fluctuated frequently during the day, more severe anger was more likely to be reported in the late afternoon/early evening. Problem anger symptoms decreased significantly over time, from pre-EMA to post EMA (p < .001). The generalizability of findings is limited to a predominantly male sample, with low levels of risk of harm or violence. The study was also limited in the selection of outcome variables assessed and the lack of a control group; other momentary factors could influence experience of problem anger and provide further explanation of study results. EMA is a valuable assessment tool for individuals with problem anger, and the potential for EMA as an intervention needs to be explored further.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Problem anger is highly destructive, and is one of the most commonly reported issues in military and veteran populations. The goal of this study was to use ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to explore and characterize moment-to-moment experiences of problem anger in a sample of Australian veterans.
METHODS
Sixty veterans with problem anger (measured on the Dimensions of Anger Reactions Scale) completed measures of anger and anger rumination, before and after a 10-day EMA period which assessed the frequency, intensity, and expression of momentary anger experiences.
RESULTS
Findings showed that 75% of respondents indicated some level of anger during EMA monitoring. In 25% of cases, anger was reported as severe. Moreover, anger was expressed verbally in 43% of cases, and expressed physically in 27% of cases. While anger fluctuated frequently during the day, more severe anger was more likely to be reported in the late afternoon/early evening. Problem anger symptoms decreased significantly over time, from pre-EMA to post EMA (p < .001).
LIMITATIONS
The generalizability of findings is limited to a predominantly male sample, with low levels of risk of harm or violence. The study was also limited in the selection of outcome variables assessed and the lack of a control group; other momentary factors could influence experience of problem anger and provide further explanation of study results.
CONCLUSIONS
EMA is a valuable assessment tool for individuals with problem anger, and the potential for EMA as an intervention needs to be explored further.
Identifiants
pubmed: 35738692
pii: S0005-7916(22)00024-6
doi: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2022.101746
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
101746Informations de copyright
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