discriminant validity’ (p. 340). Biaggio (1980, p. 296) reported that only the ASR subscales (Awareness of anger,
General Expression, Guilt, and Mistrust) correlated with BDHI Guilt and that only the BDHI subscales
(Irritability, Resentment, Suspicion, and Guilt) correlated significantly with ASR Guilt, indicative of the latter’s
discriminant validity. As well, Biaggio (1980) reported that the ASR Total Expression score correlated negatively
(/C0.40) with the Marlowe /C0Crowne Social Desirability Scale. Also, Biaggio et al. (1981) reported negative or negli-
gible correlations (ranging from .07 to /C0.31) between the ASR and three of the Personal Incidents Record
(Condemnation of Anger, Guilt, Indirect Expression) measures.
Construct/Factor Analytic
As evidence of construct/factor analytic validity, Reynolds et al. (1994) reported that, ‘Factor analyses were
conducted on the 89 item questionnaire to compare the seven factor and five factor solutions using analyses
obtained from three samples of 82 subjects’ (p. 66). Neither the 5-factor nor the 7-factor structure could be repli-
cated. Reynolds et al. subsequently undertook a factor analysis based on the item inter-correlations of the
64-item version (in a previous study, Biaggio, 1980 , had been unable to replicate the claimed ASR factors).
Again, Reynolds et al. could not find support for the purported subscale structure, leading them to conclude that
the ASR is unidimensional, comprising only a general anger factor.
Criterion/Predictive
As evidence of criterion/predictive validity, Zelin et al. (1972) reported that, ‘ASR scores were correlated with
psychiatrists’ ratings on the 16 most relevant Problem Appraisal Scales (PAS) ...the highest correlation (.41) for
the Physical expression scale is with ratings of assaultive acts on the PAS’ (p. 340). Zelin et al. also reported
several additional predictive validity correlations. For example, verbal expression of anger correlated /C0.36 with a
measure of dependency, .31 with real-life anger, belligerence and negativism, and .28 with antisocial attitudes
and acts. Awareness of anger correlated .24 with antisocial attitudes and acts, and /C0.37 with rating of obsessive-
compulsive behaviors. ASR Guilt correlated .48 with suicidal thoughts, and .33 with a measure of depression-
inferiority. ASR Mistrust correlated .33 with a measure of mistrust and suspicion.
Location
Zelin, M.T., Adler, G., & Meyerson, P.G. (1972). Anger self-report: An objective questionnaire for the measure-
ment of aggression. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 39 , 340.
Reynolds, N.S., Walkey, F.H., & Green, D.E. (1994). The Anger Self-Report: A psychometrically sound
(30 item) version. New Zealand Journal of Psychology, 23 ,6 4/C070.
Results and Comments
The ASR could benefit by further exploration of its stability over varying time intervals. Also, Reynolds et al.
(1994) concluded that previous studies have provided ‘only modest evidence for discriminant, convergent and pre-
dictive validity of the ASR ...[and]...Factor analyses [have] provided little support for ...construct validity’ (p. 68).
In light of these inconclusive factor analytic findings, Reynolds et al. constructed a 30-item short form of the ASR
as a measure of a general anger factor. This unidimensional measure of anger is a departure from the clinical quest
to differentiate subtypes of anger and hostility already well recognized in phenomenological accounts. It is not
surprising therefore, that the ASR and its short forms have been eclipsed by alternative measures.
ASR SAMPLE ITEMS
‘I will criticize someone to their face if they deserve it.’
‘At times, I feel like smashing things.’
‘When I really lose my temper, I am capable of slapping someone.’
Notes : Items are rated on a 6-point scale ranging from: 1 5Strongly agree to 6 5Strongly disagree.
Reaction Inventory (RI)
(Cho et al., 2009; Evans & Stangeland, 1971 ).82 4. ANGER/HOSTILITY MEASURES
II. EMOTIONAL DISPOSITIONS