The Relationship Between Alcoholism and Anger

Colella, Sarah J. (2002) The Relationship Between Alcoholism and Anger. Masters Thesis, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Central Connecticut State University.

Abstract

Alcohol affects individuals physically, mentally, and emotionally. Little work has been done to investigate a possible link between alcoholism and anger. The purpose of this research study was an attempt to determine if alcohol dependence had an effect on the amount of anger an individual reported and the ways an individual expresses his or her anger. The researched was gathered from 20 alcohol dependent individuals at Alliance Treatment Center (ATC). Anger was measured in alcohol dependent individuals using one survey containing two separate instruments; (a) The State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2), and (b) the Anger Disorder Scale. All participants completed the anger survey upon admission (pre-detoxification) and again, 4-6 days later, upon discharge (post-detoxification). This research study examined subscales, comparing pre-detoxification to post-detoxification anger scores for each participant. The mean scores were compared among 20 participants, both male and female. Data collected from ATC revealed only one significant finding; this was found in a subscale of the STAXI-2 measure. This provides information to conclude alcohol dependence may have an effect on how individuals control their expression of angry feelings. There were no significant differences detected on any of the other STAXI-2 scales. This means that there was little to no difference in how an individual perceives the intensity of current feelings, and the perceived verbal and physical expression of anger, following detoxification. The ADS was the second measure used in this research study. In comparing the pre to post detoxification scores, this measure provided no significant findings. Therefore, there were little to no differences in how participants viewed their problems with or without the influence of alcohol. This study was breaking new ground, a repetition of this study, with minor modifications, could provide valuable results for those studying alcohol dependence and anger.