Traitanger and style of anger expression following traumatization: Extent and relationship to posttraumatic stress reactions in a group of former East German political prisoners

Although anger has been described as a major sign of posttraumatic stress d isorder (PTSD) and as an essential factor in the etiology of comorbid distu rbances, empirical findings on the predictors of anger as well as on the re lationship between posttraumatic stress reactions, trait anger, and style o f anger are rather scarce. This presentation examines traitanger and style of anger expression in a group of non-treatment-seeking former East German political prisoners (N = 91). Assessments included the German version of th e Anxiety Disorders Schedule (DIPS) as well as measures of anger (STAXI), p osttraumatic stress reactions (IES-R), sociodemographic variables, and trau ma-related variables. Scores on several anger measures were found to be qui te high in this sample. Anger measures were not found to be related to soci odemographic variables, but were negatively related to duration of imprison ment. Within structural equation modelling, traitanger is shown to depend d irectly on posttraumatic intrusions. Results confirm Further findings from studies on other traumatic events. Clinicians are advised to be aware of th e implications for the treatment of PTSD.