The Effects of Anger Rumination and Cognitive Reappraisal on Anger-In and Anger-Control

Many studies have suggested that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is efficacious for anger expression problems. However, it is still unclear which emotion regulation strategies are most effective for anger-in (a tendency to suppress anger) and anger-control (a tendency to calm angry feelings). In the present study, anger rumination and cognitive reappraisal were manipulated, and their effects on anger-in and anger-control were investigated with a within-subjects design. Participants were 46 Japanese undergraduates assigned to the three conditions; free recall (no regulation strategy), anger rumination, and cognitive reappraisal. Results indicated that, compared to free recall and anger rumination, cognitive reappraisal, taking a third-person perspective and thinking about positive aspects of an anger-related event, induced fewer angry feelings, alleviated anger-in, and facilitated anger-control. Given that CBT has been efficacious for anger expression, CBT might facilitate taking a third-person perspective and thinking about the event more flexibly in clients.