Validation and adaptation of the dimensions of anger reactions (DAR-5) in an illustrated version for Peruvian children

This study evaluated anger in Peruvian children using the DAR-5 instrument, involving the participation of 723 schoolchildren from Metropolitan Lima, aged between 8 and 12 years. The sample, with an average age of 10.28 years and a balanced gender distribution (54.90% girls, 45.10% boys), represented various stages of child development. The participants, ranging from third to sixth grade, provided a comprehensive perspective on the expression of anger across different educational levels. The study confirmed high internal consistency (ω >.80) of the DAR-5. An innovative resampling method with 1000 replicates was employed to validate the robustness of the findings. Additionally, the study explored the relationship between anger and depression in children, discovering significant correlations. This underscores the predictive capacity of the DAR-5 in identifying emotional challenges. The research highlights the importance of early identification and management of anger in children, especially in Peru, where such emotional issues have been previously understudied. The findings affirm the DAR-5 as a reliable tool for mental health professionals and youth in Peru. The study acknowledges limitations, such as the use of non-probabilistic sampling, and suggests future research to further explore the DAR-5’s relationship with other psychological constructs, like anxiety and stress. This would enhance the understanding of childhood anger management in diverse cultural contexts.