ABSTRACT
A burgeoning body of research has focused on the health consequences of hostility. Generally considered the coronary-prone component of the global type A behavior pattern (TYABP), hostility is an emotion that is fueled by a set of negative attitudes, beliefs, and appraisals through which others are viewed as frequent and likely sources of mistreatment, frustration, and provocation (1). The construct of hostility encompasses three distinct factors: anger-an unpleasant emotion ranging in intensity from irritation to rage; aggression-overt behavior, typically defined as attacking, destructive, or hurtful actions; and/or cynicism-the attitude of skeptical distrust of others and the wish to inflict harm on them (1). This chapter offers a brief overview of cogent issues in the clinical assessment and management of patients who evidence elevated levels of hostility and anger.
