Enhanced Cognitive Reappraisal and Emotion Awareness Training (eCREAT) for Maladaptive Anger Inhibition - A Pilot Study

Habitual suppression of intense anger, commonly known as maladaptive anger inhibition, is a widespread issue related to various adverse outcomes. These include, for instance, diminished social support, reduced relationship quality, increased risk for coronary heart disease, and heightened susceptibility to chronic and temporary pain conditions. Developing effective psychological treatments may be one key approach to alleviate the distress experienced amongst these individuals. The overall goal of this pilot study is to further develop and enhance a previously evaluated treatment protocol for maladaptive anger (Bjureberg et al., 2023) to more effectively target maladaptive anger inhibition. The specific goals are: 1. To assess the feasibility and acceptability of the study (operationalized as number of completed modules and measurements, reported negative events and patient experience). 2. To assess outcome variability and estimate the relative effect of the treatment in reducing maladaptive anger inhibition. Maladaptive anger inhibition was operationalized as high levels of trait anger suppression (main outcome), anger rumination (secondary outcome) as well as low levels assertive expression of anger (secondary outcome). Secondary aims (to be reported in secondary papers) 3. To assess and explore participants' qualitative experiences of maladaptive anger inhibition. 4. To explore within-subjects emotion dynamics using daily assessments.