The Anger Expression Scale and State-Trait Anger Scale

Abstract

The present study examined psychometric properties of the Anger Expression Scale (AX) and the State-Trait Anger Scale (STAS) in an inmate sample. Principal component analysis of the Anger Expression Scale yielded three factors: anger-in, anger-out, and anger-control. The internal consistency reliabilities of the factor scales were .72, .80, and .87, respectively. Three factors were indicated for the State-Trait Anger Scale: experience of anger/hostility (state items), arousal of anger (seven trait items), situational anger when devalued (three trait items), with internal consistency alphas of .94, .79, .71, respectively. Although there was a factor distinction between state- and trait-anger, test-retest coefficients were stronger for the state than for the trait subscale, thereby questioning a temporal state/trait distinction. Overall, the results support the use of the Anger Expression Scale for inmates, but the State-Trait Anger Scale should be used with caution.