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Most research on anger has focused on clinical intervention, psychological processes, and physiological effects rather than on how anger expression affects interpersonal relationships. This study investigates how four modes of expression (distributive-aggression, integrative-assertion, passive-aggression, and nonasertive-denial) are associated with perceptions of relational satisfaction and communication competence. Results indicate that partner-perceptions of integrative-assertive anger expression are positively associated with relational satisfaction. Those viewed as expressing anger through integrative-assertive means rather than through nonassertive-denial were evaluated as communicatively competent by their partners. Results also demonstrate that self-enhancing actor-observer biases affect relational perceptions connected to anger expression. Both men and women rated themselves higher on communication competence and integrative-assertion, and lower on nonassertive-denial, than their partners rated them. Women also perceived themselves to use less aggression when dealing with anger than their partners perceived them to use.
I was angry with my friend. I told my wrath, my wrath did end.
I was angry with my foe. I told it not, my wrath did grow.
Humans experience a wide array of emotions through their interactions with others. Satisfying relationships produce joy and contentment; dissatisfying relationships may contain high levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. One of the strongest emotions that surfaces in interpersonal relationships is anger. The way that individuals communicate anger has consequences for both their own health and happiness as well as that of their relational partners. Those keeping anger bottled up inside may experience increases in blood pressure and heart rate, while allowing the anger-causing issue to remain unresolved, and, thus, to fester within the relationship. Those expressing anger through aggression or violence may leave themselves feeling guilty and their partners feeling alienated and abused (Averill, 1982; Tavris, 1982, 1984; Rimm, Hill, Brown, & Stuart, 1974). Expressions of anger can impact interpersonal relationships by allowing partners to vent frustration, shorten or prolong conflict, or regulate daily interaction (Averill, 1978, 1982; Holt, 1970; Tavris, 1982). Stern (1992) noted that communicating negative feelings such as anger poses a dilemma for relational partners, who wish to assert themselves and maintain positive, intimate relationships simultaneously. Yet research on anger has tended to focus on intervention and psychological processes rather than on how anger expression affects relational outcomes such as satisfaction and perceptions of communication competence. Moreover, the vast...