Selbstwertgefühl und ärgerbezogenes Verhalten

Examined the relation between two aspects of self-concept: global self-esteem and firmness when facing significant others. The behavior was tested in an experimental anger-provoking situation with N = 136 students. The self-concept and habitual anger behavior were measured one week before the experimental provocation. To provoke anger, participants were blamed for a computer crash that was not their fault. After the anger induction, emotional reactions, anger-related reactions, goals, and evaluations of the behavior were assessed using questionnaires. Results show that regarding habitual anger behavior high self-esteem and firmness were related to a lower proneness towards anger-in. In the anger provoking situation self-esteem was associated neither with self-reported anger related reactions nor goals. However, high firmness was related to less submissive and ruminative behavior; lower intention to avoid conflicts; and higher intention of asserting personal standards. The results are discussed with regard to the controversial relation between self-esteem, anger, and aggression.