Anger Test (STAXI-2 Guide)

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 outbursts in Criterion D), 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.

STAXI-2 Anger Expression Styles

Spielberger (1999). The four anger expression/control scales capture how individuals typically express and regulate anger, not whether anger itself is pathological.

Anger-Related Diagnoses

Anger Assessment Tools

Behavioral 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.