The relationship between anger-anger expression style and aggression in individuals with substance use disorder

Aim: This research aimed to examine the relationship between anger, anger expression styles, and aggression among individuals with substance use disorder. Method: A descriptive and correlational design was used. The research included 150 individuals receiving treatment at the AMATEM clinic and inpatient unit of Elazığ Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Hospital between 7 August 2024 and 11 June 2025. Data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI), and the Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Data analysis included mean, standard deviation, percentage, minimum and maximum values, kurtosis-skewness, Mann Whitney-U, Kruskal Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests. Results: The mean STAXI score was 23.73±5.17, and the BPAQ mean was 102.65±14.45. Significant differences in anger and aggression scores were observed based on education, employment, age of first substance use, living arrangement, and substance type (p<0.05). No significant differences were found for age, gender, marital status, or family history of mental illness (p>0.05). A moderate positive correlation was found between anger and aggression (r=0.656; p<0.001), and a moderate negative correlation was found between anger control and aggression (r=-0.588; p<0.001). Conclusion: Participants had moderate levels of anger and aggression. Given the positive association between anger and aggression and the negative association with anger control, interventions that reduce anger level and enhance anger management skills may be beneficial in care plans. Keywords: Substance Use Disorder, Anger, Aggression, Patient, Psychiatric Nursing