Characteristics and Treatment of High-Anger Drivers

A client analogue of angry drivers reported more frequent and intense anger, aggressive and risky behavior, and accidents (generally, minor accidents, close calls, etc.) than low-anger drivers. Groups did not differ on major accidents or moving violations. High-anger drivers reported more trait anger and anxiety; anger suppression; and outward, less controlled forms of anger expression. Compared with an untreated control, relaxation and cognitive-relaxation interventions lowered driving anger; although the relaxation intervention was superior on some measures of driving anger, cognitive-relaxation was superior on risky behavior. Interventions did not influence trait anger, anxiety, or general anger expression. Findings support state-trait anger theory, construct validity of the trait driving anger measure, and feasibility of driving anger reduction.