Cross-Cultural Differences in Sources and Expressions of Anger: Evidence from Pakistani and Somalian University Students

Abstract

The study was intended to find the sources and expressions of anger between Pakistani and Somalian university students. A sample of 761 undergraduate students (378 Pakistani, mean age of 20.7, and 383 Somalian with mean age of 21.8) were selected using stratified random sampling techniques. The study used self-developed and pilot tested scales of Sources of Anger Scale (SAS) and Expressions of Anger Scale (EAS). Independent sample t-test was used to identify mean differences between Pakistani and Somalian participants on the sources and expressions of anger. The finding indicated that there was a significant mean difference in the Threat factor, with Pakistani participants (M = 66.34, SD = 16.66) reporting higher scores than Somalian participants (M = 60.44, SD = 15.03), t (758) = 5.13, p < .001. This suggests that Pakistani students experienced threat as a source of anger threats compared to their Somalian counterparts. In relation to gender, female students reported greater anger related to perceived threats ((n = 178; M = 69.37, SD = 15.84) compared to male participants (n = 200; M = 63.65, SD = 16.94), t (376) = -3.38, p = .001. In regards to anger expression, Pakistani participants reported significantly higher levels of outward anger expression (Anger out) (M = 8.12, SD = 5.85) compared to their Somalian counterparts (M = 6.81, SD = 4.99), t (758) = 3.32, p = .001. On the other hand, females in both countries express anger less directly as compared to males. These findings highlight a culturally tailored counseling intervention that is flexible and can be adapted to the culturally specific experiences of various cultural groups and gender is advocated for. This will help in addressing the specific needs of male and female students in managing anger and other forms of emotional regulation.