Abstract
The present study investigated the development of assertive expression of anger among preschool and elementary school children. In the experiment, 110 children ages 5–7 were presented hypothetical stories involving interpersonal conflicts with peers, and they were asked about the facial expressions of the protagonists. They heard four stories, two of which were about facial expressions and the other two were about both facial and verbal expressions. Sixth- and 7-year-olds chose the more intense angry facial expression than did the 5-year-olds, when the protagonist expressed his emotion only facially. In addition, 7-year-olds chose the more intense angry facial expression when the protagonist expressed his emotion by face alone, compared to when he expressed anger both facially and verbally. Finally, 7-year-olds understood the positive function of anger expression to inform others of one's intention. Therefore, the results suggest that the understanding of the assertive expression of anger develops between ages 5 to 7.
