Anger expression toward parents and depressive symptoms among undergraduates in Taiwan

This study surveyed 559 Taiwanese undergraduates regarding anger expression toward parents and depressive symptoms. Five modes of anger expression were explored. All modes of expression were either neutral or positively associated with depressive symptoms. This result is contrary to studies of Western culture suggesting that some modes of anger expression may be beneficial. However, a significant buffering interaction effect was detected for women. Higher relative preference for outward verbal expression of anger (Verbal Out) was associated with fewer depressive symptoms at increasing levels of anger antecedents. For men, in contrast, greater preference for physical demonstrations of anger (Action Out) was associated with more depressive symptoms at increasing levels of anger antecedents. Implications of these findings for U. S. counselors serving clients with Taiwanese cultural values are discussed.