Journal of psychosomatic research
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The study was designed to assess the frequency and intensity of patients' anger directed toward various potential targets and how intensity of anger toward different targets was related to the chronic pain experience. Ninety-six chronic pain patients who were referred for a comprehensive evaluation completed questionnaires to assess their levels of anger, pain, distress, and disability. Approximately 70% of the participants reported to have angry feelings. ⋯ Anger toward oneself was significantly associated with pain and depression, whereas only overall anger was significantly related to perceived disability. The results suggest that anger should be conceptualized as a multifactorial construct. In addition to presence, intensity, and expression of anger, targets of anger may be important to better understand psychological adaptation to chronic pain.