Basic Affective Systems and Sex Differences in the Relationship between Anger and Fear.

backgroundThe possible interactions between anger and fear have not been widely explored in the psychological literature. Fear and anger are currently beginning to be studied by looking at their interrelationships, rather than seeing them as simply opposing emotions. Furthermore, there is a tendency to think that anger is more typical of men and fear of women. Our contribution proposes a particular perspective of affective neuroscience. The objectives of the study are as follows: (1) to assess possible differences in affective systems, and states and traits of anger in relation to biological sex; (2) to assess correlations between ANGER, FEAR, and SADNESS, as well as state and trait anger in both a female and male sample; (3) to assess possible differences in basic affective systems in relation to different levels of ANGER, FEAR, and SADNESS, state and trait anger, in female and male samples.

methodsA non-clinical sample of 339 females and 99 males completed the ANPS 3.1 to assess basic affective states and the STAXI-2 to assess anger states and traits.

resultsNo significant differences were found for ANGER and FEAR scores and for state and trait scores between the male and female samples. Clear correlations emerged ( DISCUSSION: Given the importance of the SEEKING and PLAY variables, it is of paramount importance to monitor the environmental and relational situations to guarantee that women, too, are provided with the conditions of safety and protection that are prerequisites for their well-being and the positive expression of their resources.