Validation of the STAXI-2: A study with prison inmates

This study investigates the reliability and validity of the State-Trait-Anger-Expression-Inventory-2 (STAXI-2; in the German version by Rohrmann et al., 2013) in a sample of n=57 male inmates (aged 25-67 years). Internal consistencies reveal a high reliability of the STAXI-2 and subscale intercorrelations are close to those of the standardization sample. A confirmatory factor analysis confirms the four-dispositional-factor structure of the STAXI-2. Construct validity is supported by correlations with personality traits of inmates that play a key role in inmate misconduct (e.g., aggressiveness & social adjustment). Anger-Expression-Out and Anger-Expression-In are significant predictors of the length of sentence and Trait-Anger is associated with the age of first offense, both indicating criterion-related validity. These results support the use of the STAXI-2 for inmates and suggest that it can serve as an diagnostic tool in correctional institutions.