Gender Differences, Anger Expression, and Cardiovascular Risk

Research has established the influence of serum cholesterol and anger management style as cardiovascular risk factors. However, mixed and sometimes contradictory results have created uncertainty with respect to contributions of anger. Some incongruities may be accounted for on the basis of gender differences since a number of studies have employed male samples rather than female samples or mixed samples. The present study examined both gender and anger management style in relation to cardiovascular risk. One hundred three (72 men and 31 women) midlevel executives completed questionnaires and a blood draw during a week long, succession training program within a large international organization. Gender, anger expression, and anger expressed outward were significant predictors for levels of high-density lipids, low-density lipids/very low-density lipids, and triglycerides, and cardiovascular risk ratios. Results replicate and extend previous research. Anger held inward and anger control were significant for men but not women, contrary to earlier gender-specific findings.