Anger Test (STAXI-2 Guide)
The STAXI-2 (State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2) is a 57-item self-report questionnaire that measures state anger, trait anger and four anger expression and control styles (Anger-In, Anger-Out, Control-In, Control-Out). This guide also covers a brief self-reflection and anger-related diagnoses (IED, PTSD, BPD).
An anger test measures anger frequency, intensity, and expression styles. Key tools: STAXI-2 (Spielberger, 1999) with state/trait anger and 4 expression scales; Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ) for 4 aggression components; Novaco Anger Scale (NAS) for forensic use.
Understanding Anger Assessment
Anger is a universal human emotion that evolved as a protective response to threat, frustration, or injustice. Anger becomes clinically relevant when it occurs frequently, at high intensity, for extended duration, and when its expression causes harm, to relationships, health, legal standing, or occupational functioning. The distinction between anger (the emotion) and aggression (the behavior) is clinically important: anger does not inevitably lead to aggression, and aggression can occur without significant anger.
The most detailed validated scale is the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 (STAXI-2) by Spielberger (1999), which distinguishes State Anger (current angry feelings), Trait Anger (general tendency to experience anger), and four Anger Expression/Control styles: Anger-In (suppressed), Anger-Out (expressed outwardly/aggressively), Anger Control-In (internal control), and Anger Control-Out (control over outward expression). The Anger Expression Index (AXI) combines AX-In and AX-Out minus the two control scales.
Clinically significant anger dysregulation is associated with Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), characterized by recurrent, impulsive aggressive outbursts disproportionate to provocation, as well as PTSD (irritability and angry outbursts in Criterion E), Borderline Personality Disorder (Criterion 8: inappropriate intense anger), and substance use disorders. Evidence-based treatments include cognitive restructuring, relaxation-based techniques, problem-solving skills, and DBT (particularly interpersonal effectiveness and distress tolerance skills).
Anger Self-Assessment
Rate how often these statements describe you over the past month. This brief reflection tool is based on anger trait dimensions, not a validated clinical tool.
This brief reflection is for educational awareness only and is not a validated clinical tool. For formal anger assessment, the STAXI-2 (Spielberger, 1999) is the criterion-standard self-report tool, available from PAR (psychassessment.com). If anger is causing problems in your life, a mental health professional can help.
What the STAXI-2 measures
Spielberger (1999). The STAXI-2 distinguishes State Anger (current angry feelings), Trait Anger (general tendency to experience anger), and four anger expression/control scales. These capture how individuals typically express and regulate anger, not whether anger itself is pathological.
| Scale | Abbreviation | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Anger Expression-In | AX-In | Tendency to suppress angry feelings inwardly rather than express them |
| Anger Expression-Out | AX-Out | Tendency to direct anger outwardly toward people or objects |
| Anger Control-In | AC-In | Tendency to monitor and temper angry feelings internally |
| Anger Control-Out | AC-Out | Tendency to control outward expression of anger in interactions with others |
How to administer the STAXI-2
The STAXI-2 is a 57-item self-report questionnaire. Respondents rate each item on a frequency or intensity scale, and clinicians then review and interpret the profile against published normative data. It does not require clinician observation during administration. The STAXI-2 is published by PAR (psychassessment.com); item content is not reproduced here.
STAXI-2 scoring and interpretation
The STAXI-2 is scored as a profile of scales rather than one total with severity bands. Each scale is scored against T-score norms (mean = 50, SD = 10); scores at or above the 75th percentile are generally considered clinically elevated. The Anger Expression Index (AXI) is a composite derived from the expression and control scales (AX-In plus AX-Out, minus the two control scales), providing a summary of overall anger management style. A high AXI indicates chronically suppressed or poorly managed anger expression rather than just frequent angry feelings.
Psychometric properties
In a validation across Dutch undergraduate students (N = 764), a general population sample (N = 1,211) and psychiatric outpatients (N = 226), results supported the reliability and validity of the STAXI-2. Concurrent validity was strong, with meaningful correlations between the STAXI-2 scales and anger-related constructs in both clinical and nonclinical samples. Patients showed higher experience and expression of anger than the general population sample, and forensic outpatients with addiction problems reported higher Anger Expression-Out than general psychiatric outpatients (Lievaart et al., 2016).
Limitations
- Not diagnostic. Self-report anger questionnaires are screening and monitoring tools; a diagnosis such as Intermittent Explosive Disorder requires a structured clinical interview.
- Self-report. Scores depend on the respondent's insight and willingness to report anger and aggression.
- Norm-referenced. Interpretation depends on comparison with published normative data, so scores should be read against the appropriate norm group.
- The brief self-reflection on this page is not the STAXI-2 and is not a validated clinical tool.
Anger-Related Diagnoses
Several DSM-5 diagnoses involve anger dysregulation as a core or associated feature. Assessment tools such as the STAXI-2 can document baseline severity and monitor treatment progress, but diagnosis requires a structured clinical interview.
| Condition | Primary anger feature | DSM-5 reference |
|---|---|---|
| Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) | Recurrent, impulsive aggressive outbursts disproportionate to provocation; verbal or physical | Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders cluster; A1 (high-frequency/low-intensity) and A2 (low-frequency/high-intensity) subtypes |
| PTSD | Irritability and angry outbursts with little or no provocation | Criterion E — alterations in arousal and reactivity (E1) |
| Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) | Inappropriate, intense anger or difficulty controlling anger | Criterion 8 of DSM-5 BPD diagnostic criteria |
| Substance Use Disorders | Irritability and aggression during intoxication or withdrawal, and as a feature of chronic use | Variable by substance; anger often diminishes with sustained abstinence |
Anger Assessment Tools
Multiple validated self-report tools are available for different clinical contexts. Selection depends on whether the referral question concerns anger experience, aggression, or specific situational provocation.
| Tool | Items | What it measures | Typical use context |
|---|---|---|---|
| STAXI-2 (Spielberger, 1999) | 57 | State anger, trait anger, and four expression/control styles (AX-In, AX-Out, AC-In, AC-Out) | General clinical, occupational, and research settings |
| Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ; Buss & Perry, 1992) | 29 (full); 12-item short form (BPAQ-SF) | Physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility subscales | Clinical, forensic, and research settings |
| Novaco Anger Scale and Provocation Inventory (NAS-PI; Novaco, 2003) | NAS: 60 items; PI: 25 items | Cognitive, arousal, and behavioural components of anger; provocation reactivity | Forensic psychiatric and offender populations |
Behavioural Health Outcome Monitoring
PHQ-9, GAD-7, DERS, PCL-5, and anger/aggression outcomes, integrated monitoring for DBT, anger management, forensic, and community mental health programs.
HiBoop does not offer this scale. This page is reference material.This library is an academic and clinical reference. A scale described here is not necessarily offered in HiBoop; each page says whether it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the STAXI-2 a self-report or clinician-administered tool?
The STAXI-2 is a self-report questionnaire. Respondents rate each item on a frequency or intensity scale, and clinicians then review and interpret the profile against published normative data. It does not require clinician observation during administration.
What does a high Anger-Out score on the STAXI-2 mean?
A high Anger-Out score indicates a person tends to express anger outwardly — through verbally or physically aggressive behaviour directed at other people or objects. Elevated Anger-Out, particularly when combined with low Anger Control-Out, is associated with conflict in relationships and increased risk of aggressive incidents.
Can an anger test diagnose Intermittent Explosive Disorder?
No. Self-report anger questionnaires such as the STAXI-2 are screening and monitoring tools, not diagnostic tools. A diagnosis of Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) requires a structured clinical interview to confirm the DSM-5 criteria, including the frequency, intensity, and disproportionality of aggressive outbursts.
What is the difference between the Anger Expression Index and trait anger?
Trait anger is the stable tendency to experience anger frequently and intensely across many situations. The Anger Expression Index (AXI) reflects how that anger is typically handled — combining Anger-In and Anger-Out (expression) scores and subtracting the two Anger Control scales. A high AXI indicates chronically suppressed or poorly managed anger expression rather than just frequent angry feelings.
Bill this assessment
In the US, the Anger Test (STAXI-2 Guide) is usually billed under these CPT codes. Payer rules vary.
Measurement-based care in practice
For clinicians
HiBoop does not offer this scale. For the scales it does offer, HiBoop automates delivery, scoring and longitudinal tracking across your patient panel.
For individuals
This page is a clinical reference, not a diagnostic tool. If you have concerns about your own symptoms, bring this information to a qualified mental health professional.
References
- 1.Lievaart M, Franken IH, Hovens JE. Anger Assessment in Clinical and Nonclinical Populations: Further Validation of the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2. J Clin Psychol. 2016;72(3):263-78.View source
- 2.Coccaro EF, Lee R, McCloskey MS. Validity of the new A1 and A2 criteria for DSM-5 intermittent explosive disorder. Compr Psychiatry. 2014;55(2):260-7.View source
- 3.Moeller SB, Novaco RW, Heinola-Nielsen V, Hougaard H. Validation of the Novaco Anger Scale-Provocation Inventory (Danish) With Nonclinical, Clinical, and Offender Samples. Assessment. 2016;23(5):624-36.View source
- 4.Diamond PM, Magaletta PR. The short-form Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ-SF): a validation study with federal offenders. Assessment. 2006;13(3):227-40.View source
Last reviewed: Jun 3, 2026
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