Degree Name
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
Program
Psychology
Date of Award
8-2017
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Chris S. Dula
Committee Members
Jill Stinson, Stacey Williams, Jon R. Webb
Abstract
Previous research supports the idea that individuals high in trait anger tend to experience more hostile attribution bias. According to the Integrative Cognitive Model, cognitive factors, such as rumination, may increase the risk of hostile attribution bias and any subsequent aggressive behaviors. Sex differences are apparent in rumination and anger expression. The present research explored the potential role trait rumination plays in hostile attribution bias as well as potential conditional effects of sex on this relationship. Participants were asked to complete a number of self-report measures and vignettes of ambiguously hostile situations adapted to improve reliability. Hypotheses were largely supported and trait anger rumination was significantly predictive of hostile attribution bias; however, conditional effects of sex were non-significant. The adapted hostile attribution bias measure had improved reliability and may have utility for a survey-based method to assessing hostile attribution bias. Findings may further our understanding of hostile interpretations and potential for subsequent aggressive behaviors in high trait ruminators in ambiguous situations as well as lead to potential areas of intervention to reduce anger and anger rumination.
Document Type
Dissertation - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Suhr, Kyle A., "Examining the Effects of Trait Rumination on Hostile Attribution Bias" (2017). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 3080. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/3080
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.