Human anger: Deep effects and dimensions
ANGER is a common emotion that is experienced by all people. It is a natural and normal response to certain situations and can serve as a signal that something is not right or needs to be changed.
However, if not managed effectively, anger can become a problem for individuals and those around them.
It can lead to conflict, aggression and harm to oneself and others. It can also have a negative impact on physical and mental health and damage relationships and performance.
There are many factors that can contribute to anger and how it is expressed, including personality, life experience and cultural and social influences.
It is important for individuals to recognize and acknowledge their feelings of anger and find healthy ways to express and manage it.
This can involve learning coping skills, communication skills and problem-solving skills as well as seeking support from friends, family or a mental health professional if needed.
Anger is a strong emotion characterised by feelings of frustration, irritation and animosity. It can be triggered by a perceived threat or injustice and it is often accompanied by physiological changes such as increased heart rate and heightened adrenaline levels.
Anger can be a natural and healthy response to certain situations, but if it is not managed effectively, it can lead to conflict and harm to oneself and others.
It is important to recognize and acknowledge the feeling of anger and find healthy ways to express and manage it.
Kinds and causes of anger: There are many different types of anger and the specific form that it takes can depend on the person experiencing it and the situation he is in.
Some common types of anger include:
(i). Passive anger: This type of anger is characterised by a feeling of resentment or bitterness, but it is not expressed directly.
People who experience passive anger may suppress their feelings or express them indirectly, such as through passive-aggressive behaviour.
(ii). Aggressive anger: This type of anger is characterised by a desire to hurt or harm others.
It can manifest as verbal or physical aggression and it can be harmful to relationships and lead to legal or personal problems.
(iii). Chronic anger: This type of anger is characterised by a constant feeling of frustration or irritability.
It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as an unresolved conflict, a difficult life situation, or an underlying health issue.
(iv). Displaced anger: This type of anger is characterised by directing anger towards someone or something that is not the source of the frustration.
For example, someone who is angry with their boss may take out their frustration on their spouse or a friend.
(v). Rational anger: This type of anger is characterised by a feeling of anger in response to a justified grievance.
It is a healthy and appropriate way to express frustration and can motivate people to advocate for themselves or others.
It’s important to recognise and acknowledge the different types of anger and find healthy ways to express and manage them.
There are many potential causes of anger and the specific cause can vary from person to person.
Some common causes of anger are
(i). Stress: Stressful situations or events can trigger feelings of anger and frustration.
(ii). Personal values: When someone’s personal values or beliefs are threatened or challenged, it can lead to feelings of anger.
(iii). Unmet expectations: When someone’s expectations are not met, it can lead to feelings of disappointment and frustration, which can turn into anger.
(iv). Injustice: Seeing or experiencing injustice can lead to feelings of anger and a desire to right the wrong.
(v). Personal problems: Personal problems such as financial difficulties, relationship issues, or health problems can cause feelings of anger and stress.
6. Communication problems: Misunderstandings or miscommunications can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts that can trigger feelings of anger.
It is important to identify the specific causes of anger and find healthy ways to cope with and express these emotions.
Larger impacts: Anger can have both short-term and long-term impacts on an individual and those around them.
Some potential impacts of anger include:
(i). Physical health effects: Anger can have a negative impact on physical health by increasing heart rate, blood pressure and stress hormones.
Chronic anger has been linked to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, stroke and digestive issues.
(ii). Mental health effects: Anger can also have negative effects on mental health by increasing feelings of anxiety, depression and guilt. It can also lead to difficulty in managing emotions and resolving conflicts.
(iii). Social and relationship effects: Anger can damage relationships and lead to social isolation.
It can also lead to conflict and aggression, which can have legal consequences and damage personal and professional relationships.
(iv). Performance effects: Anger can also affect performance by decreasing productivity, problem-solving ability and overall effectiveness.
It is important to recognize and manage anger in a healthy way to avoid these negative impacts.
Techniques of treatments: There are several techniques that can be used to treat anger and manage it effectively.
Some common techniques include:
(i). Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and meditation can help reduce the physical symptoms of anger and improve emotional regulation.
(ii).Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of therapy that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours.
It can be effective in helping people learn healthy ways to cope with and express anger.
(iii).Communication skills training: Learning effective communication skills can help individuals express their anger in a healthy way and resolve conflicts more effectively.
(iv).Problem-solving skills training: Teaching problem-solving skills can help individuals identify the root causes of their anger and find constructive ways to address them.
(v).Physical activity: Engaging in physical activity can help reduce tension and release pent-up energy and emotions.
It is important to find techniques that work for an individual and to practice them regularly to effectively manage anger.
It may also be helpful to seek the guidance of a mental health professional for more specialized treatment.
In addition, while treating the anger in daily life different methods/strategies such as therapy, behavioural, medication therapy, are adopted mainly to avoid suppression of anger to protect one’s physical and mental health of the human well-being at large at individual, social, national as well as global levels.
— The writer is Professor and Head, Department of Political Science, B N Mandal University, Madhepura, Bihar, India.
