Anger is an intense emotional response to feeling frustrated, hurt, disappointed or threatened. There are hundreds of sources of events that can lead us to anger. Some are internal, such as having unreasonable expectations, while others are external, like the environment in which you are surrounded. Ultimately, anger results from feeling there was a wrong-doing, mistreatment, or unfairness and is caused by an irrational perception of reality and a low frustration point.
What is Anger?
Frustration And Anger
Uncontrolled Anger
What are the Levels of Anger?
Anger Management
1. What is Anger?
Anger is an intense emotional response to feeling frustrated, hurt, disappointed or threatened. There are hundreds of sources of events that can lead us to anger. Some are internal, such as having unreasonable expectations, while others are external, like the environment in which you are surrounded. Ultimately, anger results from feeling there was a wrong-doing, mistreatment, or unfairness and is caused by an irrational perception of reality and a low frustration point.
2. Frustration And Anger
There are also factors that lower our frustration levels, both as external and internal sources of anger. It is important to understand that these factors affect us on a daily basis and can cause our frustration levels to decrease. Stress and anxiety, physical and emotional pain, medication/drugs and alcohol, recent irritations or “having a bad day” all lower our frustration levels. Recognizing these factors may help us to deal with our anger and resolve our anger issues.
There are responses to anger that can be beneficial or healthy and lead to overcoming fears, boosting confidence to respond to perceived danger or threats, and reacting with a fight or flight response. However, there are disadvantages to responding with excessive anger that can lead to emotional and cognitive compromise and result in anger outbursts. The inability to recognize and understand our own levels of anger can lead to physical and psychological problems affecting daily life preventing the attainment of personal goals.
3. Uncontrolled Anger
Many people suffer from the negative consequences of uncontrolled anger. Studies show anger has often been associated with hostility, aggression, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and a wide range of psychiatric disorders. When left uncontrolled in extreme or dysfunctional forms, anger may lead to “adverse health consequences, and trigger maladaptive behaviors, including workplace hostility, domestic violence, and criminal behavior.” Uncontrolled anger can also lead to drug use.
4. What Are the Levels of Anger?
There are many levels of anger and feelings that accompany the progression to an intense level of anger.
The stages generally progress from being annoyed and peeved to angry or enraged. The average adult experiences anger on a daily basis at least once, and becomes annoyed (irritated by repeated acts) or peeved (annoyed or resentful) about three times within a day, experts suggest.
5. Anger Management
Anger management programs can help people to identify their possible underlying emotions, and help them to regain control over their anger through a series of evidence based approaches. Using cognitive restructuring techniques, anger management classes help to effectively control anger with relaxation training, mindfulness, effective communication skills, and problem solving skills. Adapting these healthy thinking skills from anger management classes has been proven effective in reducing anger outbursts.