Magnitude of Problematic Anger and its Predictors in the Millennium Cohort

Abstract Background In military personnel and veterans, problematic anger is associated with heightened risk of mental health problems and difficulty functioning, although previous studies have been limited by sample size and cross-sectional data. Methods The current study used Millennium Cohort survey data (N = 90,266) from two time points (2013 and 2016 surveys) to assess the association of baseline demographics, military factors, mental health, self-mastery, and posttraumatic growth with problematic anger levels reported several years later.ResultsOverall, 17.3% of respondents reported problematic anger. In the fully adjusted logistic regression model, greater risk of problematic anger was predicted by male sex, younger age, current or formerly marital status, being black non-Hispanic or other (vs. white), less educational attainment, childhood trauma, and financial problems. Service members who were in the Army or Marines, active duty (vs. reserve), and previously deployed with high levels of combat had increased risk for problematic anger. Veterans were also more likely to report problematic anger. Mental health predictors included major depressive disorder (MDD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid PTSD/MDD. Higher levels of self-mastery and post-traumatic growth were associated with decreased risk of problematic anger.Conclusion Not only did 1 in 6 respondents report problematic anger, but risk factors were significant even after adjusting for MDD and PTSD, suggesting that problematic anger is more than an expression of these mental health problems. Results identify potential points of early intervention and clinical treatment for addressing problematic anger.