CUP Undergraduate Research
Date of Award
Spring 4-1-2018
Document Type
Thesis
College
College of Arts & Sciences
Department
Psychology
Degree Name
Psychology, BA
First Advisor
Erin Mueller, Ph.D.
Abstract
Evidence has been shown that anger can affect one’s life in various ways that can cause distress for an individual. It is important for individuals who struggle with these issues to learn how to cope with them in a healthy and motivating way. Exercise has been shown to be an effective coping mechanism for many individuals struggling with mental and physical illnesses, and the use of exercise as a possible way to manage anger could be a positive intervention for those with anger and aggressive tendencies. The literature for exercise being actively used as an intervention for anger and aggression is minimal. In the study I conducted, participants completed a survey that was distributed through social media. The data from the survey separated the participants into three exercise groups (low, moderate, or high), and the average rating from the Buss Perry Questionnaire produced an anger score. The effect of the amount of hours of exercise per week on one’s anger score was not significant F(2, 79) = 0.34, p = 0.71. Although the results did not show significant evidence that supported a correlation between exercise levels and anger levels, the results showed slight evidence between the groups that those who exercised more tended to have to be less prone to anger and aggressive tendencies.