Causes and Effects of Adolescent Anger

Running head: CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF ADOLESCENT ANGER i
Causes and Effects of Adolescent Anger
Shelley B. Navis
A Capstone Project in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for the Masters of Science Degree in
Professional Development at
Winona State University
Fall 2012
CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF ADOLESCENT ANGER ii
Winona State University
College of Education
Counselor Education Department
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CAPSTONE PROJECT
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This is to certify that the Capstone Project of
Shelley B. Navis
Has been approved by the faculty advisor and the CE 695 – Capstone Project
Course Instructor in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
Master of Science Degree in
Professional Development
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CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF ADOLESCENT ANGER iii
Abstract
Adolescence can be a tumultuous period for many youth due to the numerous physical,
emotional, and intellectual changes occurring during this time. Many problems can occur
when young men and women are adjusting to these changes, one of which is the experience
of anger. Though the experience of anger itself is not always negative, individuals who are
not well-equipped to deal with the emotion may express anger in maladaptive ways, leading
to a variety of problems. Aggression, depression, and suicide are a few of the problems
related to anger. In addition to understanding the impact of anger, it is also important to
understand why some youth are more likely to experience anger. Social support, bullying,
family interactions, personality, and home environment have been identified as contributing
factors (either negatively or positively). After examining causes and effects of anger, this
paper also seeks to elucidate possible interventions for the problem.

CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF ADOLESCENT ANGER iv
Contents
Introduction ……………………………………………………………………………….1
Review of Literature ……………………………………………………………………...3
Problems Related to Anger………………………………………………………..3
Contributing Factors………………………………………………………………5
Interventions……………………………………………………………………..13
Discussion…………….........…………………………………………………………….17
References ……………………………………………………………………………….19
CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF ADOLESCENT ANGER 1
Due to the numerous stressors that exist in our society today, anger is a common
experience for many people, especially adolescents. According to Spielberger (as cited in
Puskar, Ren, & Bernardo, 2008), there are two aspects of anger: state anger and trait
anger. State anger is an emotional response to a provoking incident, while trait anger
tends to occur more frequently in some individuals than others. Trait anger may occur in
situations where most people would not respond in the same manner. Anger in
adolescents is associated with many problems, including aggression. According to
Novaco (as cited in Taylor, Novaco, Gillmer, & Thorne, 2002), though it does not always
lead to aggression, anger is often a precursor to aggression, particularly very intense
anger, as this type of anger can decrease a person’s ability to control his or her behavior.
Individuals express anger differently and for different reasons. Most people think of
aggression as the physical expression of anger, though it is possible to express anger in
nonviolent ways as well. Physical violence, however, is more visible and tends to result
in more critical outcomes. The National Center for Education Statistics (2010) reported
that approximately 1.9 million crimes occurred in elementary and secondary schools
throughout the nation, meaning about 40 students per 1,000 were victims of some type.
These statistics do not include bullying or cyber-bullying, which are also serious types of
aggression. In 2009, 28 percent of students ages 12-18 reported feeling bullied by one or
more of their peers (Institute of Educational Sciences, n.d.). Anger has also been linked to
other serious problems, such as depression, suicide, and substance abuse (Daniel,
Goldston, Erkanli, Franklin, & Mayfield, 2009). Problems of this magnitude often affect
a student’s ability to meet their full potential. Deffenbacher, Lynch, Oetting, and Kemper
(1996) suggest that individuals with high trait anger are more likely to have interpersonal
problems, academic difficulties, and conflict in their jobs. When students believe they
have the necessary resources to deal with difficulties, they are more likely to make wise
choices. If, on the other hand, they feel that they cannot face a problem, they may make
poor choices. For example, according to Csibi & Csibi (2011), some studies have shown
that girls often use avoidance when dealing with stressful situations, which causes
emotional tension. Eventually, that tension must be released in some way, such as
aggression towards their peers. This can lead to further interpersonal problems, which
may have been the initial cause of the stress.
In order for educators and counselors to effectively serve adolescents and identify
solutions for preventing these outcomes, it is important for them to be aware of the
factors that can contribute to the expression of anger. Perceived social support, emotion
regulation, family environment, and personality are some of the contributing factors
(Puskar , et al., 2008; Turblad, Grann, & Lichtenstein, 2006; Sanz, Garcia-Vera, &
Magan, 2010). Fortunately, there are several school-based programs that have shown
promise in addressing some of the core issues related to anger. An awareness of the
available programs in the field as well as the task of evaluating and researching their
effectiveness are crucial steps in addressing the problem of anger. If schools and mental
health professionals can address the problem at an early age, perhaps it will prevent more
serious problems during adulthood.

Review of Literature
Problems Related to Anger
Leff et al (2010) assert that there are two main types of aggression: physical and
relational. Physical aggression tends to be more overt, like hitting or pushing others. It
Relational aggression is less overt and does not involve direct contact with others, but it
can be just as damaging as physical aggression. In fact, Crick and Grotpeter (as cited in
Leff et al., 2010), refer to it as relational aggression because those who perpetrate this
type of aggression seek to undermine others’ attempts to build or maintain relationships,
whether it is through subtle things like spreading rumors or outright bullying. Society
often sends the message that adolescents must look or behave a certain way in order to
build and maintain friendships. For those who fit into that mold, it is easier to experience
relational success, but for those who are different, they often times face taunting and
torment from their peers.
This type of behavior is often referred to as bullying (Kalish & Kimmel, 2010).
Bullying is all too common in many schools today and can results in terrible tragedies
like suicide, or even worse. Most of the infamous school shootings that have occurred in
recent years have been carried out by young men who had been consistently singled out
by their peers for quite some time. Kalish and Kimmel (2010) believe that boys in our
schools today are socialized to believe they should not back down when they are
provoked and, if they do, they risk losing their masculine identity. This sends the
message that it is okay to use violence when they feel masculinity has been threatened. In
other words, bullying can lead victims to resort to violence as a way to end the abuse and
take revenge on the perpetrators.

Bullying does not always lead to aggressive responses, nor do those who respond
to others in an aggressive manner do so because they have been bullied (Crick & Dodge,
1996). While bullying is an intentional pattern of harassing behavior, some individuals
act aggressively in response to a one time frustrating or provoking incident, which is
called reactive aggression. Others use aggression not because they believe they have been
wronged, but because they believe it will get them what they want, which is called
proactive aggression.
Aggression is not the only problem associated with anger. Anger and depression
are also correlated. Depression is a serious issue because it affects an individual’s quality
of life, as well as his or her ability to make decisions and participate in daily activities.
Depression is also serious because it can sometimes lead to suicide. In a study by Withers
and Kaplan (1987), over two-thirds of the participants reported symptoms of depression
prior to a suicide attempt. The characteristics of depression that are related to suicide
attempts in adults, however, are not the same as those that can lead to suicide in
adolescents. Hopelessness is a strong indicator for suicide attempts in adults, but less so
in adolescents. A sense of self-worth and capability for responding to stress relate more
strongly to suicide attempts in adolescents than in adults (Cole, 1989). Tsuaie et al (as
cited in Puskar et al., 2008) found that those who do not cope well with negative life
events tend to react with anger more often and are also more likely to become depressed,
or commit suicide. Some of the negative life events that frequently occur prior to a
suicide attempt are disagreements with family, friends, significant others, and conflicts in
the workplace (Withers & Kaplan, 1987).

Though it may be more obvious that depression and suicide are linked, studies
have also found links between anger and suicide. After controlling for depression and
substance abuse, in addition to previous suicide attempts, Daniel et al (2009), found that
high trait anger scores and outward expression of anger were correlated with increased
suicide attempts in males. For females, however, the suicide risk increased as trait anger
scores and outward expression of anger scores decreased, but only if the study
participants had a history of depression. Despite these gender differences in how anger
can affect an individual’s likelihood to experience depression and suicide, it is clear that
anger affects both genders in a negative manner.
Contributing Factors
In addition to understanding issues than can arise from uncontrolled anger, it is
also important to understand factors that can contribute to anger in adolescents. Given the
many challenges faced by adolescents today, it is important for them to have a strong
support system to help them cope with their problems. Social support can come from
peers, teachers, or family members. Though peers are certainly a strong influence on
most adolescents, family members and teachers also play a vital role. The more problems
an adolescent faces, the more important it is for them to have resources to handle them.
Puskar, et al. (2008) found that the more negative life events an adolescent experiences,
the more likely they are to experience and express anger. Puskar, et al. (2008) also found
that adolescents who had higher perceived family and teacher support were less likely to
express anger. Surprisingly, anger scores were not lower when adolescents had higher
perceived support from their peers. Peer support was linked, however, with higher self-
esteem. Since social support is also important to self-esteem, those who show higher
levels of self-esteem tend to score lower on trait anger scores (Puskar, et al., 2008).
Spielberger (as cited in Puskar, et al., 2008) found that those with high levels of
trait anger often believe that they are frequently targeted by others. Some individuals
become angry when they feel targeted or are faced with a negative situation, but they are
able to control their anger and respond appropriately rather than in an antisocial manner
(e.g. aggression or substance use). A person’s ability to control his or her emotions can
often be linked to early experiences. Bowlby’s 1988 study (as cited in Pickover, 2010)
found that children who do not form a secure attachment to a caregiver are more likely to
display aggressive behaviors as they get older. Furthermore, Mikulincer & Shaver (2005)
assert that those with an insecure attachment fear being abandoned by significant
individuals in their lives, which causes them to misunderstand others’ intentions.
Misunderstandings often lead to unnecessary anger, which can be damaging to a
relationship. According to Strayer & Roberts’ 2004 study (as cited in Pickover, 2010),
when a person becomes angry, he or she is unlikely to display empathy toward others. It
can be difficult to build and sustain a relationship when empathy is lacking.
Insecure attachment is not the only negative outcome that can come from a less
than ideal family environment. Some adolescents come from homes where the majority
of the interactions they witness or engage in are violent or dysfunctional in some way.
Studies have shown that individuals who are exposed to violence are more likely to
misinterpret a social situation and respond in anger. For example, an adolescent who is
accustomed to seeing his parents fight often may think that someone who bumps into him
in the hall is attempting to instigate a fight (Taylor, Novaco, Gillmer, & Thorne, 2002;
Calvete & Orue, 2011). This person may react in an aggressive manner because of how
he interpreted the offender’s behavior. Crick & Dodge (1996) call this reactive
aggression, while a situation where an individual behaves in an aggressive manner
without being provoked would be called proactive aggression. Before choosing a
response, one must interpret the actions of the perpetrator. A child who has a tendency to
act in an aggressive manner is more likely to attribute a hostile intent behind someone’s
actions. Given this information, they will evaluate the possible responses and act in the
way that is most likely to get them what they want. If the child feels as though their pride
was hurt and seeks to maintain dignity, he or she may choose an aggressive response. If
on the other hand, the child does not feel angry, but has weighed his options and he is
most confident it will lead to his desired outcome, he may still choose to respond
aggressively. Individuals who use proactive aggression may have seen others attain a
positive outcome using similar tactics. For example, a child who consistently sees a
parent use aggression or physical threats to manipulate others will come to believe that
this is the most effective way to achieve a desired outcome (Crick & Dodge, 1996).
Though a negative home environment can certainly impact an adolescent’s
behavior, other factors play a role as well. Youth who come from homes where violence
occurs often may have a low socioeconomic status. They may also have a temperament
that predisposes them to anger more than others. Tuvblad, Grann, & Lichtenstein (2006)
found that neither one of these factors alone significantly impact antisocial behavior, but
they can interact to influence antisocial behavior. For example, youth with a low
socioeconomic status who are not genetically predisposed display fewer antisocial
behaviors than those with a high socioeconomic status and a predisposition to experience
and express anger. Those who are both genetically and economically disadvantaged are
even more likely to display antisocial behavior.
In addition to environment, genetics can play a role in one’s personality or
temperament. People can learn new social skills, but some will just naturally get along
well with others. Using Costa and McCrae’s Five Factor Personality Model (as cited in
Sanz,Garcia-Vera, and Magan, 2010), one study found that individuals who are more
neurotic and less agreeable tend to score higher on anger and hostility. This could be
because individuals who are less agreeable tend to be more confrontational and
distrusting of others. It is important to note, however, that there is some overlap between
anger and hostility and neuroticism and agreeableness because many of the questions
designed to measure those personality traits ask questions about anger, hostility, trust,
and compliance. The tendency to attribute hostile intentions to peers’ actions is not
simply a personality factor, however. Orbio de Castro, Veerman, Koops, Bosch, and
Monshouwer, (2002) found that aggressive youth often experience rejection by their
peers, which exacerbates their already innate hostile tendencies. Furthermore, the more
likely an individual is to make hostile attributions, the more severe the aggressive
behavior is and the more rejection they experience from their peers. Youth with lower
verbal intelligence are even more likely to display these negative behaviors, perhaps
because it is more difficult for them to explain their feelings to others.
Interventions
Due to the serious nature of these problems, mental health professionals have
developed and studied a variety of programs and treatment options for youth with anger
and aggression issues. Leff, et al. (2010) designed PRAISE (Preventing Relational
Aggression in Schools Every day) to address relational aggression in schools because
many programs in schools today are more focused on physical aggression. Relational
aggression includes behaviors like gossip, teasing, and casting out others. Girls tend to
display this type of aggression more often than boys. PRAISE consists of twenty 40
minute classroom sessions twice per week. The program seeks to improve social-
cognitive skills, build empathy, and improve students’ ability to take another’s
perspective. Since peer relationships and influence are critical during adolescence, one of
the main components of the program is to identify types of “Friendship Making
Problems” and the settings in which they can occur. It has shown success with students of
varying backgrounds including African Americans and those from low income
households. Leff, et al. (2010) presume, however, that the PRAISE program has shown
more success with girls than boys because the videos used in the program have mainly
female actors. Though some participants of the program actually displayed higher levels
of relational aggression post-intervention, those who did not receive the intervention
displayed an even higher level of relational aggression. Despite disappointing behavioral
results, the participants showed greater knowledge of anger problem-solving techniques
than those who did not receive the intervention. Since it takes time to establish new
patterns of behaviors, this is encouraging.
RIPP (Responding in Peaceful and Positive ways) is a three year violence
prevention program designed for middle and junior high school students. Like PRAISE, it
involves classroom lessons, but it also involves peer mediation. The three main focuses
of the program are establishing/maintaining significant friendships or mentor
relationships, improving self-image, and identifying influences on personal health.

Schools that have used the RIPP program found that their students viewed non-violence
more favorably than violence, which also resulted in a reduction in aggression. Students
were also less likely to carry weapons in school and to have in-school suspensions
(Amendola & Scozzie, 2004).
Second Step was designed by the Committee for Children in 2003 and aims to
increase empathy, improve impulse control, and equip students with anger management
skills. It can be used with preschool through junior high students and has several
appealing qualities, like minimal preparation time and lessons tied to school subjects like
math, reading, and social studies. Studies have shown that participants in the program
displayed a decrease in physical aggression and an increase in prosocial behavior
(Amendola & Scozzie, 2004).
There are also programs that can work well for adolescents, but are not typically
used in schools. Emotion Skill-Building Curriculum is a thirteen week program designed
for individuals with poor emotion regulation. Though it is typically used with adults
(particularly offenders), it is still being evaluated for efficacy and generalization to other
populations. The program seeks to increase the participants’ ability to develop empathy
and to take others’ perspective. Most people who undergo the program have an insecure
attachment style, so counselors need to validate their perspective to gain trust and
establish rapport. In order to avoid angry responses, it is important for participants to
understand that emotions and behaviors are linked (Pickover, 2010).
Just as emotions and behaviors are linked, thoughts and behaviors are linked,
which is one of the main tenets of Cognitive Behavioral Treatments. It is important for
professionals to distinguish between anger management and anger treatment. Anger

management is likely to be more effective for adolescents due to their emotional maturity
levels. Anger management interventions use a more psycho-educational approach rather
than an inoculation model, where the individual is gradually exposed to various anger-
provoking situations in order to increase his or her ability to tolerate the emotion. The
anger experiences are therapist guided, with the expectation that the individual will
eventually learn to self-regulate in similar real-life situations. The therapist may teach the
individual relaxation techniques using muscle exercises, imagery, and breathing
exercises. Participants of anger management programs may be asked to record details on
the frequency and intensity of their anger in order to better understand their triggers and
restructure their thoughts about anger (Taylor, Novaco, Gillmer, & Thorne, 2002).
One way adolescents can better understand their anger is to learn about the three
main components of anger: physiological, cognitive, and behavioral. For the
physiological component, they can begin to recognize that a quickening heart rate or
reddened face indicates a possible outburst, which will aid them in controlling
themselves. One way to recognize these signs is to keep a log of all the times they felt
angry each day and how they felt before they expressed their anger. For the cognitive
component, the adolescents can also write down what they were thinking before they
chose their response. If they determine that they could have chosen a more appropriate
response, having the situation written down can help them avoid falling into the same
trap twice. Once they have identified their cognitive distortions, counselors can assist the
youth in role playing more effective thoughts and behaviors. Once an adolescent
experiences success in using an appropriate response, he or she will gain confidence in
his or her ability to continue choosing appropriate responses. Groups of six to eight
adolescents working together once or twice a week for at least 10 weeks would be ideal
based on the setting and the age of the participants. Younger participants or participants
in a residential setting may need more sessions to reinforce the new behaviors and ensure
success beyond completion of the program (Feindler & Engel, 2005).
Discussion
Though stress is a universal experience, it is particularly common in adolescents
due to the multitude of changes that occur in their lives. Every adolescent responds
differently to stress or a negative event. The way in which he or she responds to a stressor
or a provocation of some type could be positive or negative. For instance, some people
are able to learn and grow from difficult experiences. They consider their resources and
choose a course of action based on how they interpret the situation. Some adolescents
have many resources available to them, such as good social support, high self-esteem, a
mild temperament, and a comfortable socioeconomic status. These individuals are more
likely to respond positively to stressful or negative life events. Others, however, may live
in a negative home environment, which often translates to a lack of social support or a
low socioeconomic status. Furthermore, each adolescent has a different temperament,
some of which may be less agreeable than others. These barriers can contribute to
adolescents responding in anger to a stress or a provocation. Though some degree of
anger is normal, higher levels of anger can be maladaptive, as they are linked to problems
like aggression, depression, and suicide (Daniel, Goldston, Erkanli, Franklin, &
Mayfield, 2009)..
If mental health professionals would like to assist adolescents in managing their
anger effectively, it is important for them to understand what could be causing the
individual’s anger, as well as what the outcomes of that anger are. Once school
counselors or community counselors begin to understand the causes and effects of anger,
it will be easier for them to develop and implement a multifaceted approach to the
problem. Various interventions have shown some success, with some programs focusing
more on physical aggression and others focusing more on relational aggression. Still
other programs are more focused on the cognitive distortions that can occur in individuals
prone to anger. No matter the program, it is important for the counselor to consider the
adolescents’ culture, as anger is expressed differently and addressed differently
depending on a person’s background. Counselors must be in tune with their clients so that
they can determine if the intervention will be or has been effective. Only then will anger
management interventions for adolescents be successful in preventing interpersonal,
emotional, and legal problems in adulthood.

References
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and proactive aggression, Child Development, 67, 993-1002.
Csibi, S., & Csibi, M. (2011). Study of aggression related to coping, self-appreciation,
and social support among adolescents, Nordic Psychology, 63(4), 35-55.
Daniel, S., Goldston, D., Erkanli, A., Franklin, J., & Mayfield, A. (2009). Trait anger,
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Running head: CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF ADOLESCENT ANGER i