ALPHA PSYCHIATRY
Original Articles

Anxiety disorder: a study on interpersonal style, self perception, and anger

Alpha Psychiatry 2011; 12: 107-113
Read: 732 Downloads: 496 Published: 01 April 2011

Objective: The main purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between interpersonal style, self concept, and anger in the context of anxiety. Methods: The sample consisted of 52 patients (study group) with anxiety disorder, diagnosed according to DSM IV, and 52 individuals (comparison group) without a psychiatric diagnosis. The participants were given a questionnaire with several questions regarding their demographic characteristics and life circumstances, the Interpersonal Style Scale, the Brief Symptom Inventory, the Multidimensional Anger Scale, the Social Comparison Scale and the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results: The analyses revealed that the patients with anxiety disorder had more negative interpersonal style; their self concept was more negative; they experienced more interpersonal anger and reported more angry behaviors. The regression analyses showed that self concept, satisfaction with life and satisfaction with interpersonal relationships signifycantly predicted the anxiety of different intensities, the latter had a greater role in the prediction of more series anxiety. The analyses also revealed that these predictive variables had strong significant relationships with anger and interpersonal style. Discussion: These results can be interpreted as an indication of a possible deficiency in the treatment of anxiety disorders through traditional methods of symptom reduction. Other interventions, such as training in interpersonal communication skills and anger management skills which might help the patients improve their social relations can be included within the treatment protocols, along with relaxation techniques. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2011; 12(2.000): 107-113]

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