Domain-specific anger expression and blood pressure in an occupational setting

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to extend a previous work in a sample of American undergraduates demonstrating the effects of situational factors on reported anger expression behavior and blood pressure. Method: General and domain-specific anger expression behavior and subjective work stress were assessed in 218 nurses from the Frankfurt am Main metropolitan area using the original and three altered versions of the State Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) and the Job Stress Survey (JSS). The altered versions of the STAXI asked for individuals' anger expression at home, during free time, and at work. Blood pressure and heart rate (HR) were measured in the field during working breaks. Results: Women had higher scores on anger-out and lower on anger-control in the original and in the home version of the STAXI, but no sex difference was found in the work version. Participants scoring high on anger-out at work displayed elevated blood pressures and HR compared with those scoring low on this scale. High job stress was associated with greater reports of anger-in and anger-out behavior. Conclusion: The results suggest that the way people express stress at their work place might be an important factor in determining the impact of experienced stress on cardiovascular health.