Understanding Anger: Debunking Misconceptions and Promoting Effective Management
Anger is a universal human emotion that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. However, there are common misconceptions about the underlying cognitive processes associated with anger. One such misconception is that anger is fuelled by derogatory thoughts about oneself. Contrary to this belief, research indicates that when individuals experience anger, the negative evaluation is often directed towards the person or situation causing the anger, rather than towards themselves. This article aims to shed light on the true nature of anger, its cognitive aspects and effective strategies for managing it.
Anger Directed Outward, Not Inward
Stankovic and Vukosavljevic-Gvozden's (2011) research suggests that when people experience anger, their focus tends to be on the external trigger of the anger. For example, if someone feels anger towards a colleague who consistently takes credit for their work, the negative evaluation is centred on that colleague's behaviour. This dispels the notion that anger is primarily driven by self-deprecation. Instead, it highlights the reactive nature of anger, which arises in response to perceived injustices or violations.
Anger as an Independent Emotional Disturbance
DiGiuseppe and Tafrate (2007) emphasise that anger is an emotion and should be treated as such. While anxiety might arise from certain underlying beliefs, anger doesn't necessarily stem from emotional-related thoughts like depression and anxiety. It can have distinct triggers and responses that set it apart from other emotional states. Recognising anger as a distinct emotional disturbance can be crucial to support and effective management.
Cognitive Aspects of Anger
Cognitions play a significant role in the experience and expression of anger. Identifying and understanding these cognitions can help individuals gain insight into their anger and develop healthier ways of coping. Some common cognitive patterns associated with anger include:
- Attribution: Angry individuals may attribute negative intentions to others' actions even when the intentions are unclear or benign.
- Judgment: Harsh judgments about others' behaviour can fuel anger, leading to a heightened emotional response.
- Demanding Thoughts: Unrealistic expectations and demands contribute to anger when reality falls short of these expectations.
- Entitlement: A sense of entitlement can lead to anger when others' actions don't align with the individual's perceived rights.
- Catastrophic Thinking: Magnifying the negative consequences of a situation can intensify anger.
- Personalization: Assuming that others' actions are directed specifically at oneself can trigger anger.
- Rumination: Dwelling on past events that caused anger can prolong and intensify the emotional response.
- Selective Focus: Fixating on the negatives while ignoring positive aspects of a situation can contribute to anger.
- Should Statements: Imposing rigid rules about how things should be can lead to anger when reality doesn't match these rules.
- Blame: Assigning blame to others without considering the complexities of a situation can escalate anger.
Helping Angry Teenagers Identify Their Anger
Angry teenagers often struggle with identifying and expressing their emotions. Motivational interviewing and hedonic calculus in Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be valuable tools for guiding them towards positive change.
Motivational interviewing involves empathetic communication that helps individuals explore their feelings and motivations. For example, a conversation with an angry teenager might start with open-ended questions like, "Tell me about what's been bothering you lately." This approach encourages the teenager to reflect on their emotions and triggers.
Hedonic Calculus is a common cognitive-behavioural technique that I use in managing anger and altering thinking patterns. Integrated within CBT, it guides teenagers through evaluating the costs and benefits of their emotional responses and behaviours. In the context of anger, it prompts introspection:
Cost Analysis: Harbouring Anger
Short-Term Analysis - Pros (Potential Benefits):
- Feeling Empowered: In the short term, harbouring anger might make you feel a temporary sense of power and control, especially if you believe that expressing anger is a way to assert yourself.
- Immediate Release:
Expressing anger can provide a quick emotional release, reducing immediate tension or frustration.
Cons (Repercussions):
- Relationship Strain: Holding onto anger can strain relationships as it often leads to conflict, resentment and communication breakdowns.
- Increased Stress:
Anger triggers the release of stress hormones, potentially leading to elevated blood pressure and other physical health issues.
- Mental Distress:
Continuously harbouring anger can contribute to negative mental states like anxiety, depression and irritability.
- Impaired Decision-Making: Anger can cloud judgment and hinder rational decision-making, potentially leading to impulsive and regrettable actions.
- Isolation: Constant anger might push people away, leading to social isolation and loneliness.
Long-Term Analysis: Pros (Potential Benefits):
- Self-Reflection:
Long-term anger might lead individuals to introspect and understand underlying triggers, potentially promoting personal growth and self-awareness.
- Motivation for Change: Some people use their anger as a catalyst for positive change, driving them to address injustices or work towards personal goals.
- Boundary Setting:
Holding onto anger can help establish personal boundaries, ensuring that others are aware of what is unacceptable behaviour.
- Assertiveness:
Learning to manage anger can lead to healthier assertiveness, allowing individuals to express themselves without resorting to aggressive behaviour.
Cons (Repercussions):
- Chronic Health Issues: Prolonged anger can contribute to chronic health problems like hypertension, cardiovascular diseases and weakened immune function.
- Damaged Relationships: Over time, unresolved anger erodes trust and intimacy, leading to strained relationships and potential breakdowns.
- Emotional Dysregulation: Chronic anger can lead to emotional dysregulation, making it harder to manage other emotions effectively.
- Stagnation: Holding onto anger might prevent personal growth and inhibit the ability to move forward in life.
- Negative Reputation: Consistently displaying anger can lead to a negative reputation, both personally and professionally, affecting opportunities and social interactions.
By combining motivational interviewing and hedonic calculus, we can create a supportive environment where our teenagers can become more self-aware and motivated to address their anger constructively.
Conclusion
Misconceptions about anger have led to misunderstandings about its cognitive aspects and effective management. Research shows that anger can be primarily directed outward, not always inward, and it is distinct from other emotional disturbances. Understanding the cognitive patterns associated with anger empowers individuals to recognize unhelpful thinking and work towards healthier emotional responses. For teenagers struggling with anger, motivational interviewing and hedonic calculus offer promising avenues for positive change. By dispelling myths and embracing evidence-based strategies, we can promote healthier ways of managing anger and fostering emotional well-being. Together, we can guide our teenager boys towards healthier thinking patterns and empower them to manage their emotions effectively.
Lyle Gothmann
School Counsellor
Telephone: (07) 46872 627
Email: L.Gothmann@twgs.qld.edu.au
References
- DiGiuseppe, R., & Tafrate, R. C. (2007). Understanding anger disorders. Oxford University Press.
- Stankovic, M., & Vukosavljevic-Gvozden, T. (2011). The relationship between anger and self-esteem: The mediator role of trait anger and depression. European Journal of Personality, 25(5), 391-400.
- Tafrate, R. C., Kassinove, H., & Dundin, L. (2002). Anger episodes in high-and low-trait-anger community adults. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 58(12), 1573-1590.
