Anger and Alcohol Use: A Model of Coping Styles, Alcohol Expectancies and the Experience and Expression of Anger

The researcher investigated the relationship between anger experience and expression, coping styles, and expectancies regarding the effects of alcohol in a young male population. Anger experience and expression was measured using the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory, coping styles were assessed using the Coping Response Inventory, alcohol expectancies were determined using the Alcohol Effects Questionnaire-2, and alcohol use was measured using the Alcohol Use Inventory. The results indicated that young males who abuse alcohol utilize less effective coping styles, such as cognitive avoidance. Alcohol abusing males also believe alcohol will increase their power and aggression. A linear regression demonstrated that males who abuse alcohol experience and express more anger than males who do not abuse alcohol. The analysis further revealed that experience and expression of anger was related to the poor coping styles and expectancies regarding the effects of alcohol for males who abuse alcohol