J Korean Acad Nurs.  2006 Aug;36(5):863-871.

Anger, Cardiovascular Health and Depression in Middle-aged Korean Men: the Mediating Effect of Social Support

• Park YJ
• Baik S
• Shin HJ
• Yoon JW
• Chun SH
• Moon S

Abstract

PURPOSE: A descriptive correlational study was designed to examine the relationship of trait anger and anger expression to blood pressure, cholesterol, and depression in middle-aged Korean men. In addition, this study investigated the mediating effect of social support in relation to anger and other variables. METHODS: Two hundred and ninety nine men aged 40 to 64 years were recruited from a health center at K University Hospital located in Ansan City, Kyungki province, Korea. The instruments used were Spielberger's state trait anger expression inventory-the Korean version for trait anger and anger expression, Beck's depression inventory for depression, and a Personal resource questionnaire for perceived social support. RESULTS: Men with high trait anger showed significantly higher systolic blood pressure(BP) and diastolic BP. The level of cholesterol did not have a significant relationship with trait anger and anger expression. The severity of depression was significantly higher in men with high trait anger or more frequent uses of anger-in or anger-out. The perceived social support had a significant mediating effect in relation to trait anger and depression. CONCLUSIONS: Various nursing interventions for managing anger or improving social support need to be developed in a future study.

Keyword

Anger; Blood pressure; Cholesterol; Depression; Social support

MeSH Terms

Adult
*Anger
*Blood Pressure
Depression/*psychology
*Expressed Emotion
Humans
Korea
Male
Middle Aged
Models, Nursing
Questionnaires
*Social Support