The validity of the Self-Consciousness Scale (SCS) for use with adolescents was investigated. Also, a path model of blood pressure based on the cognitive social learning theory was tested using sets of biological (i.e., family history of hypertension and age), psychological (i.e., public self-consciousness, private self-consciousness, suppressed anger and outwardly expressed anger), and lifestyle (i.e., relative weight and smoking) variables.Subjects were 169 female and 124 male adolescents from the southeastern United States. Parents provided information about the subjects' family history of hypertension and health. Subjects completed the SCS and Anger Expression Scale and a health questionnaire. Subjects' blood pressures, weights, and heights were assessed. Data from all subjects were used for the SCS analyses. Data from 36 subjects who reportedly had health problems or used drugs with cardiovascular effects were excluded from the path model analyses.The SCS data were factor analyzed. Based on the initial analysis, four items were excluded from the data. The subsequent factor analysis suggested that the SCS is a valid measure of the dimensions of self-consciousness in adolescents. Test-retest reliabilities and internal consistencies of the SCS showed reasonable reliability. Comparisons of the SCS scores between college students and adolescents and between female and male adolescents were made.The path model was tested separately for males and females on both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), using hierarchical multiple regression analyses of sets. Although the variables collectively explained a significant amount of variance in DBP and SBP for both sexes, few had significant direct and total effects on DBP and SBP, and none had indirect effects on DBP or SBP. Sex differences emerged in the variables' effects on DBP and SBP and the variables' effects on other variables. DBP and SBP increased as relative weight increased for both sexes. No other variables influenced SBP or DBP for males or SBP for females. Females with a positive family history of hypertension had higher DBPs. Females' DBPs decreased as private self-consciousness increased. The implications of the findings and suggestions for future research are discussed. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Immunological correlates of anger conditions were investigated. Participants were 33 females and 36 males, ranging from 25 to 55 years old. Percentages of total T-lymphocytes, suppressor-T, helper-T, and ratio of helper-T to suppressor-T cells were measured. Differences were found between males and females for Anger Control and Anger Expression. For females, total T-cell percentages correlated with State Anger, Angry Temperament, Anger Out, and the combination of State Anger/Angry Reaction. Suppressor-T cell percentages correlated with State Anger, Trait Anger, Angry Temperament, Anger Out, Anger Expression, and the combination of Angry Temperament/Anger In. Helper-T cells correlated with State Anger, Angry Temperament, Angry Reaction, Anger Out, and Anger Control. Mindbody appears to function in a unified fashion.

Relationships of negative psychological conditions with general status of cell-mediated and humoral immune systems were investigated. A unique approach was utilized in that indexes representing multiple aspects of each branch of the immune system were employed to better indicate general immunological status. Differences in emotion-immune interactions between males and females were demonstrated. Results indicated a positive relationship between Trait Anger and Cell-Mediated Immunological Index. Particular criticisms of previous psychoneuroimmunological research were met by addressing sex differences and differences in various conditions of anger and depression, as well as through assessment of cumulative effects of negative emotions on immune system status. Directions for future research in eddressing similar issues are suggested. In general, results provide support for validity of mindbody interactionism and imply the need for revision of standard medical and psychological treatment.

The primary purpose of the present study was to examine the potential relationships that exist between anger expression, as measured by several MMPI-2 scales, and chronic pain.

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of anger/hostility on physiological and behavioral coronary heart disease risk factors. It was hypothesized that anger/hostility would contribute to the severity of CHD via consummatory behaviors such as smoking, poor diet, and excessive alcohol consumption. Some researchers suggest that negative consummatory behaviors play a direct causal role in CHD. The present study proposed that hostility predisposes an individual to these behaviors, and that these behaviors in turn, contribute to CHD. Further, it was proposed that some of the anger that exists in CHD patients may result from the individual being unable to participate in some of their previous consummatory behaviors after suffering a myocardial infarction. Also, it was hypothesized that the construct of anger/hostility would be differentially related to consummatory behaviors.

The purpose of this study was to (1) assess the reliability and validity of anger/hostility measures, (2) examine the relationship between anger/hostility and other negative emotions, and (3) examine the relationship between anger/hostility and health history. Sixty-five subjects were given the Buss Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI), the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), the Profile of Mood States pomsS), the Clinical Analysis Questionnaire (CAQ), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Health and Wellness Attitude Inventory (HWAI), and a health questionnaire designed to provide information about past disease and alcohol/drug use. Overall, the BDHI and POMS displayed good test-retest reliability. All six of the global indices of anger/hostility intercorrelated at a significant level, thus demonstrating good concurrent validity. The six global measures of anger/hostility also correlated at a significant level with other negative emotions.