Kevin T Larkin1, Claudia Zayfert. 1. Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, PO Box 6040, Morgantown, WV 26506-6040, USA. klarkin@mail.wvu.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the range of anger-expressive behaviors and social competencies among essential hypertensive patients. METHODS: Behavioral reactions to both neutral and anger-evoking role-play interactions were measured in 26 hypertensive and 15 normotensive patients. Social behaviors were assessed using self-report measures of anger expression, assertiveness, self- and other-ratings of social competence and behavioral measures of anger expression observed during role-play interactions. RESULTS: Hypertensive patients showed less eye contact, used fewer positive assertive statements and were rated as being less assertive during confrontational role-play scenarios than normotensive controls. Hypertensive patients also exhibited higher pulse pressure reactions to confrontation than normotensives, particularly hypertensive patients who expressed anger overtly. CONCLUSION: Essential hypertension is associated with specific social skill deficits that are only apparent during the assertive expression of anger.
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the range of anger-expressive behaviors and social competencies among essential hypertensivepatients. METHODS: Behavioral reactions to both neutral and anger-evoking role-play interactions were measured in 26 hypertensive and 15 normotensive patients. Social behaviors were assessed using self-report measures of anger expression, assertiveness, self- and other-ratings of social competence and behavioral measures of anger expression observed during role-play interactions. RESULTS:Hypertensivepatients showed less eye contact, used fewer positive assertive statements and were rated as being less assertive during confrontational role-play scenarios than normotensive controls. Hypertensivepatients also exhibited higher pulse pressure reactions to confrontation than normotensives, particularly hypertensivepatients who expressed anger overtly. CONCLUSION: Essential hypertension is associated with specific social skill deficits that are only apparent during the assertive expression of anger.
Authors: Irene A Kretchy; Franklin Acheampong; Jane Laryea; Joseph Osafo; Emmanuel Asampong; Erica Dickson Journal: Int J Hypertens Date: 2019-01-02 Impact factor: 2.420