A Study on the Expression of Hostility, Trait Anger, and Anger in Patients with CAD

Son, Youn Jung

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was done to identify the relationship of expressions of hostility, trait anger, and anger in patients with Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). METHODS: Ninety patients between 30 and 80 who were admitted to A hospital participated in the study. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey using convenience sampling. The research tool consisted of 24 questions by Costa et al (1986) and 10 questions specifically on anger from the Korean version (Chon, Hahn, & Lee, 1998) of the State-Trait Anger Inventory by Spielberger (1988). All of the questions were answered using a 4-point Likert scale. The data were analyzed with SPSS Win version 10.0. RESULTS: Mean scores for hostility, trait anger, anger-out, anger-in, and anger-control were 2.51, 2.19, 1.93, 1.85, and 2.56, respectively. Hostility and trait anger showed a significantly positive correlation to anger-out and anger-in. CONCLUSION: This study presented baseline data that indicate that psychosocial factors are associated with the occurrence and progression of CAD. Accordingly, various programs that include psychological interventions are required to diminish the level of hostility and anger. Also, further studies should be conducted with larger patient populations.