Trait anger and wellbeing: the mediating role of emotion regulation and the moderating role of affects
Despite the large literature concerning the associations between trait anger, wellbeing and emotion regulation, the underlying mechanisms between these constructs remain unclear. Thus, the aims of this study are to examine the associations between these variables; to test the mediating role of emotion regulation strategies between trait anger and wellbeing and its dimensions; and to test whether positive and negative general affects have a moderating role between trait anger and emotion regulation. In a sample of 280 adults (93% female, Mage = 25.41, SD = 8.54), trait anger was positively correlated with negative affects, and negatively with positive cognitive reappraisal, wellbeing (and all its dimensions: emotional, social and psychological wellbeing), and positive affects. Positive reappraisal was positively correlated with wellbeing (and all its dimensions: emotional, social and psychological wellbeing) and positive affects and negatively with negative affects. Acceptance was positively correlated with wellbeing (and two out of its three dimensions: emotional and psychological wellbeing) and positive affects, and negatively with negative affects. The results of mediation analyses showed that positive reappraisal mediated the links between trait anger and wellbeing and its dimensions. The moderation results showed that only negative affects moderated the link between trait anger and positive reappraisal. These results emphasize the mechanisms of the link between trait anger and wellbeing. The importance of addressing emotion regulation strategies during therapy and counselling sessions is also discussed.
Positive reappraisal, Acceptance, Emotion regulation, Wellbeing, Positive and negative affects
Andreea Ursu: Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iaşi, Romania; Faculty of Educational Sciences, Stefan cel Mare University, Suceava, Romania
Maria Nicoleta Turliuc: Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iaşi, Romania, email: turliuc@uaic.ro
