Cognitive distortions about relationships and anger expression styles of university students

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess cognitive distortions about relationships and anger management styles of university students. Materials and Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional and analytical design was used. The sample of the study consisted of 335 nursing and 152 health management students (n=487). Data were collected using a Student Demographic Form, Interpersonal Cognitive Distortions Scale (ICDS), and Trait Anger-Anger Expression Styles (TA-AES). Results: The study found that the students' average total ICDS score was 50.27 +/- 10.63, and their mean sub-scale scores were 21.77 +/- 5.80 for trait anger, 22.76 +/- 4.70 for anger which was kept under control, 16.78 +/- 4.58 for expressed anger, and 17.05 +/- 4.31 for suppressed anger. It was determined that there was a positive, moderately strong correlation between the ICDS and the TA-AES. Conclusion: The present study has demonstrated that the students' cognitive distortions about relationships are associated with their trait anger-anger expression styles. In the light of these findings, it is suggested that mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral approaches should be implemented to solve the students' cognitive disorders and anger-related problems.