THE ISSUE WITH ANGER – TO BE, OR NOT TO BE… ANGRY
Anger is a complex and powerful emotion that arises in response to perceived threats, injustices, or frustrations. It is a normal human response and serves both positive and negative functions. However, when anger gets out of control, it can harm the individual and those around them. To fully understand the anger and its impact, let’s delve into its definition, positive and negative aspects, underlying assumptions, related cognitive distortions, the difference between anger and its expression, and the barriers to treatment.
First, anger can be defined as a strong emotional response to a perceived threat, offence, or injustice. It involves physiological changes such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and muscle tension. Anger motivates individuals to respond and protect themselves or others, setting boundaries and addressing unfair situations. In this sense, anger serves a positive function by signalling the need for change or action.
However, anger also has negative aspects. When expressed inappropriately or uncontrollably, it can lead to harmful consequences for both the individual and their relationships. It can escalate conflicts, damage interpersonal connections, and create a hostile environment. Uncontrolled anger can harm physical health, increase stress levels, and contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
The assumptions underpinning anger often involve beliefs about unfairness, violation of rights or boundaries, or the frustration of unmet needs or desires. These assumptions can lead to various cognitive distortions, which are errors in thinking that perpetuate and escalate anger. Some common cognitive distortions related to anger include:
- Mind-reading: Assuming that one knows the thoughts, intentions, or motivations of others without sufficient evidence. For example, believing someone deliberately intended to hurt you without considering alternative explanations.
- Blaming: Assigning all responsibility or fault to someone else, disregarding personal contribution or external factors. Blaming others for anger can hinder conflict resolution and perpetuate a cycle of hostility.
- Overgeneralisation: Drawing broad conclusions based on a single event or limited evidence. For instance, believing that one failure or disappointment means that everything in life is always negative.
Now, it’s important to differentiate between anger itself and the expression of anger. As an emotion, anger is a natural and valid response to certain situations. It becomes problematic when it is expressed in harmful or destructive ways. The expression of anger can take various forms, such as verbal outbursts, physical aggression, or passive-aggressive behaviours.
When anger gets out of control, it can profoundly impact the individual and those around them. Let’s explore the likely effects:
- Impact on the individual:
- Physical health: Uncontrolled anger can increase heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and other physiological symptoms. Chronic anger is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems and other stress-related illnesses.
- Mental health: Persistent anger can contribute to anxiety, depression, and difficulties in coping with daily life. It can also impair decision-making abilities and lead to negative self-perceptions.
- Relationships: Uncontrolled anger strains relationships, as outbursts or aggressive behaviour create fear, tension, and emotional harm. It can erode trust, lead to social isolation, and contribute to feelings of guilt and remorse.
- Impact on others:
- Emotional well-being: The expression of anger in an aggressive or hostile manner creates a hostile environment for others, leading to fear, stress, and emotional harm. It can result in anxiety, low self-esteem, and constant alertness.
- Relationships: Uncontrolled anger damages interpersonal relationships, as it hampers effective communication, understanding, and trust. It can lead to a breakdown in relationships, social isolation, and the loss of important connections.
- The cycle of conflict: When unresolved or uncontrolled, anger can contribute to a cycle of conflict. The expression of anger may trigger defensive or aggressive responses from others, leading to an escalation of conflicts and a breakdown in communication.
Research supports the negative impact of uncontrolled anger on individuals and those around them. For example, a study by Holtzworth-Munroe and Stuart (1994) found that high levels of anger expression in intimate relationships were associated with increased relationship distress and higher rates of violence. Another study by Spielberger, Reheiser, and Sydeman (1995) demonstrated a positive correlation between anger expression and anxiety symptoms.
When it comes to barriers to treatment, several factors can impede the effective management of anger-related issues:
- Lack of awareness or acknowledgment: Some individuals may not recognise the extent of their anger problem or the impact it has on their lives. Denial or minimising the issue can hinder seeking help or engaging in treatment.
- Societal stigma and cultural norms: Societal attitudes around anger and mental health can create barriers to seeking treatment. In some cultures, expressing anger may be seen as acceptable or encouraged, making it challenging to recognise when it becomes problematic.
- Difficulty in managing anger: Uncontrolled anger can become an ingrained response pattern, making it difficult to break the cycle. Learning new coping mechanisms and regulation strategies requires effort, practice, and a willingness to change deeply ingrained behaviours.
- Resistance to vulnerability: Expressing and addressing anger often involves vulnerability and the willingness to explore underlying emotions or experiences. Some individuals may be resistant to being vulnerable, as it can evoke feelings of discomfort or shame.
- Underlying psychological issues: Anger can be a symptom of underlying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. Addressing anger effectively often requires a comprehensive approach that considers and treats any co-existing psychological issues.
Overcoming these barriers often requires professional help and support. Treatment approaches such as anger management programs, cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), and mindfulness-based interventions have been found to be effective in managing anger. Research by DiGiuseppe et al. (2016) demonstrated the efficacy of CBT-based anger management programs in reducing anger expression and aggression.
In conclusion, anger is a powerful emotion that serves both positive and negative functions. While anger can motivate individuals to protect themselves or address unfair situations, uncontrolled anger can lead to harmful consequences for the individual and those around them.
Underlying assumptions and cognitive distortions can perpetuate and escalate anger. It is essential to differentiate between anger itself and the expression of anger, as the latter can profoundly impact relationships and mental health. Barriers to treatment include lack of awareness, societal stigma, difficulty in managing anger, resistance to vulnerability, and underlying psychological issues. Seeking professional help and learning healthy coping strategies are vital for effectively addressing and managing anger-related issues, promoting healthier relationships and improving well-being.
