Prediction of Anger Rumination and Expression Based on Behavioral Inhibition and Activation Systems with Mediation of Difficulty in Emotion Regulation

The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between the behavioral inhibition and activation systems and anger rumination and expression with the mediation of difficulty in emotion regulation in college students. This was descriptive correlational research. The study population included all students aged 18 to 22 years studying in Tehran's public universities in 2023, and 384 people were selected as a sample using the convenience sampling method, and responded to the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation Scale Carver & White, Anger Rumination Scale Sukhodolsky et al., Anger Expression Scale Buss & Perry, and Brief Version of Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale Bjureberg et al. In order to analyze the data, path analysis was used with the hierarchical regression method according to Baron and Kenny suggestion and Sobel test. The results showed that the behavioral inhibition/activation systems were able to predict anger rumination and expression respectively through difficulty in emotion regulation. The findings are useful for having practical implications for preventive and therapeutic interventions in anger management.