Anger expression in Mexican American and white non-hispanic adolescents

This study explored aggressive anger expression in adolescents. A 3-factor model proved best (i.e., Expression through Verbal Assault, Physical Assaul t Toward People, and Physical Assault Toward Objects). These factors correl ated positively with each other and with anger, anxiety, and depression. Co rrelations of aggressive anger expression styles with anger were larger tha n their correlations with anxiety and depression. Gender, ethnicity, and de velopmental effects were found; males reported more physical assault on peo ple than females, and White non-Hispanic and older youths reported more ver bal assault than Mexican American and younger students. Both middle and hig h school students reported greater verbal assault than physical assault on objects which, in turn, was higher than physical assault on people. These f indings suggest that adolescent aggressive anger expression is not unidimen sional, but is more differentiated and meaningfully related to gender, ethn icity, and developmental status.