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Objectives. To provide non-clinical normative data for the Novaco Anger Scale. To identify the ability of the scale to discriminate between clinical and non-clinical populations.
Design. Postal survey of individuals from a non-clinical sample.
Method. A non-clinical sample of 212 NHS employees was sent a questionnaire pack, including the Novaco Anger Scale. A clinical sample of 58 outpatient angermanagement referrals was identified from a retrospective case-note analysis.
Results. Descriptive data are presented for both samples. t-score conversions are provided, based on the non-clinical data. Results from a discriminant function analysis demonstrated that the Novaco Anger Scale classified participants as clinical or non-clinical with 94 % accuracy.
Conclusion. From this study it appears that the Novaco Anger Scale is able to discriminate between clinical and non-clinical populations. These data offer further support to the validity of the Novaco Anger Scale and its use in clinical assessment.
The Novaco Anger Scale (NAS) was developed by Novaco (1994), who observed that existing measures of anger had not been based in any theoretical foundations in a way that could support clinical formulations (Novaco & Welsh, 1989). To this end, the NAS was designed so that its subscales closely reflected Novaco's information processing model of anger and it represents a clear progression from the original Novaco Anger Inventory (NAI) (also known as the Provocation Inventory) (Novaco, 1975). The NAS was designed as a self report measure on which the individual can, by responding to applicability of various statements about themselves, describe their experience of anger.
The NAS comprises two main parts. Part A consists of 48 items that are divided equally into three domains corresponding to the information processing model, which in turn are divided into four subscales. The cognitive domain comprises the subscales: attentional focus, rumination, hostile attitude and suspicion. The arousal domain is made up of the subscales: intensity, duration, somatic tension, and irritability. The behavioral domain comprises impulsive reaction, verbal aggression, physical confrontation and indirect expression. Part B comprises 25 items that each describe situations in which individuals may become angry. The items are grouped into five subscales that summarize the nature of the provocation: disrespectful treatment, unfairness/injustice, frustration/interruptions, annoying traits and irritations.
Despite the proliferation of Novaco's treatment approaches, curiously, with the noted exception...