Hostility Test

Hostility is composed of three elements: hostile cognitions, hostile emotions, and hostile behavior. The cognitive component can consist of cynicism, resentment, judgmental tendencies, a patronizing attitude or a tendency to ruminate on past injustices. The emotional component may involve anger, contempt, hatred or shame, the latter often a result of hostility directed inward. Finally, the behavioral component of hostility results from the combination of hostile cognitions and affect, and consists of any action, physical or verbal, that is intended to harm. Hostility can have rather severe repercussions. It can interfere with effective communication, create problems at school or work, and destroy relationships. Psychologists have been working on hostility reduction techniques for years, but recent findings may increase their urgency. New research indicates that hostility could also be damaging to physical health.

Snapshot Report Hostile Behaviors 31 Your responses indicate that you rarely exhibit hostile behaviors. In fact, you hardly react at all, likely choosing to let things go rather than push the issue. However, your calm demeanor does not mean that you are not hostile on the inside. Although harsh words and force are not positive ways to react to others, you may be losing out by not standing up for yourself when necessary. Consider the rewards of becoming more assertive.