State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory

What it measures

The most widely used comprehensive measure of anger as a state, trait, and expressed behaviour. Distinguishes how angry one feels (state/trait) from how one expresses or controls anger (expression-in, expression-out, control-in, control-out). Widely used in clinical, health, and forensic psychology.

Response format

4-point scales; State Anger: intensity (1=not at all to 4=very much so); Trait Anger: frequency (1=almost never to 4=almost always); Anger Expression: frequency (1=almost never to 4=almost always)

Representative items

• I am furious. (State Anger)
• I have a fiery temper. (Trait Anger)
• I express my anger. (Anger Expression-Out)
• I pout or sulk. (Anger Expression-In)
• I keep my cool. (Anger Control-Out)

This is a licensed instrument — representative items are shown for reference only. Obtain the original scale materials from the publisher before use in research.

Usage notes & scoring

Requires purchase from PAR (Psychological Assessment Resources). Widely used in cardiovascular health research (anger as a risk factor) and forensic/clinical assessment. State scale useful as experimental manipulation check. Anger Expression Index is a composite of expression and control subscales.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Spielberger, C.D. (1999). STAXI-2: State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2. Psychological Assessment Resources.

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