Effects of gender and gender role on cardiovascular reactivity and anger experience during an interpersonal interaction

This study examined gender and gender role differences in cardiovascular reactivity and anger experience during an interpersonal interaction. Ninety-six participants interacted in dyads (traditional masculine men with traditional feminine women, and androgynous men with androgynous women). Agency (degree of challenge; High versus Low) and Communion (degree of agreement; Agree versus Disagree) were manipulated. Heart rate (HR) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were assessed. Participants completed questionnaires assessing state and trait anger, and angry thoughts. Traditional women exhibited higher HR during speaking and listening intervals than other groups. Higher levels of state anger were reported for individuals who disagreed than for those who agreed. Traditional men reported higher levels of trait anger than traditional women. Men reported more victimization angry thoughts than women. Thus, it is evident that gender role is an important construct for understanding differences in cardiovascular reactivity and anger experience during interpersonal interactions