Why Assess Anger?
To find out if it is within the norms (normal)
To detect strengths and weaknesses in anger regulation
To identify specific areas in need of treatment (anger management)
How do we assess anger?
A new generation of standardized psychological tests or psychometric questionnaires. These are based on theory and empirically derived statistics of validity and reliability.
Anger Parameters Scale (APS) to assess five parameters:
Frequency (how often)
Duration (how long)
Intensity (how strong)
Latency (how quick)
Threshold (how sensitive)
The APS helps identify how anger begins, builds, persists, and varies across situations. This information can support a more precise understanding of maladaptive anger and may help guide appropriate intervention strategies.
Anger Expression Styles Scale (AESS):
To assess six dimensions, each with two endpoints = 12 types of anger expressions
Direction: Reflection or Deflection
Locus: Internalization vs. Externalization
Reaction: Resistance vs. Retaliation
Modality: Verbal vs. Physical
Impulsivity: Controlled vs. Uncontrolled
Objective: Restorative vs. Punitive
Anger Log: to self-monitor anger as it occurs in naturalistic settings and day-to-day life.
What are the results of anger assessment?
Numerical scores for the five APS parameters and the 12 AESS anger expression styles.
Graphs of the scores to generate APS and AESS profiles
Total scores on APS and AESS
A tally of self-monitored anger episodes
Important themes emerging from qualitative data on self-monitored anger
How does anger assessment help?
Assessment informs diagnosis and treatment. A baseline is obtained for multiple measures of anger before treatment. Multiple measures of anger are obtained after treatment. Therefore, pre-post change and improvement can be demonstrated. This becomes the basis for a certificate of completion and success.
Tools and Insights for Human Betterment