Effects of expressing anger on the longevity of relationships: A survival analysis

Abstract

Most current evidence on anger expression suggests that expressing anger has negative interpersonal consequences; thus, controlling or regulating anger in a relationship is considered to be the key to maintaining relationships. However, it is assumed that anger expression also serves as a trigger that prompts a greater sense of intimacy because expressing anger can motivate a partner to change their behavior, and anger expression is a type of self-disclosure behavior that reveals personal information. We predicted that participants that frequently experienced and expressed anger at a close partner would report longer-lasting relationships. In a survey, Japanese university students were asked to recall episodes of heartbreak involving a heterosexual partner and report on their assessment of how long the romantic relationship lasted and the intensity and frequency of their anger expression in the presence of their partner during the relationship. Survival analysis revealed that the participants who frequently expressed mild anger at their partners reported longer relationship durations. We discuss the results and possible implications for understanding how relationships are maintained or strengthened by expressing anger.