The Influence of Stressor Exposure and Psychosocial Resources on the Age–Anger Relationship

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the processes linking age, stressor exposure, psychosocial coping resources, and two dimensions of anger proneness (i.e., experienced anger and expressed anger). Method: Longitudinal change regression analysis of data from a two-wave community panel study including a sample of people aged 18 to 93 ( N = 1,473) is performed. Results: Age is significantly associated with declines in both experienced anger and expressed anger over the 3-year study period. These associations are substantially mediated by the lower levels of chronic stressors and discrimination-related stressors experienced among older adults. In contrast, self-esteem amplifies the association between age and expressed anger. Discussion: These findings clarify the circumstances in which age matters most for changes over time in the experience and expression of anger. They highlight how certain forms of stressor exposure and psychosocial resources are linked with anger proneness and in ways that vary by age.