Abstract

This study aimed to examine the mediating effects of internalized shame and anger suppression in the relationship between insecure adult attachment and displaced aggression. A total of 581 college students participated in the online survey, and the AMOS program was used for data analysis. The results indicated that (a) insecure adult attachment had a significant effect on displaced aggression, (b) internalized shame completely mediated the relationship between insecure adult attachment and anger suppression and partially mediated the relationship between insecure adult attachment and displaced aggression, and (c) internalized shame and anger suppression had serial mediation effects on the relationship between insecure adult attachment and displaced aggression. The results suggest that counselors working with clients with displaced anger should utilize strategies that reduce clients’ internalized shame. Clinical intervention should help clients to appropriately perceive and express their anger in order to break the negative cycle of repressing and exploding anger.