A Correlational Study Investigating Anger and Aggression Among an Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation Population

In the hospital setting, anger and aggression are emotions and behaviors frequently experienced and displayed by clients. In order to maintain the safety of those in the hospital milieu, it is imperative to predict which clients are prone to experiencing anger and aggression. An exploration of predictors and functions of anger and aggression are necessary to implement appropriate safety precautions and treatment plans. Most of the current research regarding anger and aggression focuses on forensic and/or nonclinical setting. A comprehensive literature review revealed it is commonly believed that people with mental illnesses are more aggressive than those without. Specific demographic variables and clinical diagnoses were correlated with anger and aggression factors The current study investigated possible correlations between psychological factors, overt acts of anger, and performances on empirically validated assessment measures in an acute inpatient residential setting. Data for the present study was gathered via chart reviews of participants (N = 39), of which 64.1% had a diagnosis on the schizophrenia spectrum No significant correlations between the variables studied were discovered. These findings should be used to clarify contradictory past research regarding which clients are more likely to become angry and aggressive, to better prepare employees to ensure the safety of the milieu, and to contribute to risk prevention and anger management issues.