Dr. Pashupati Mahat, Clinical Psychologist
AND
Dr Vidya Dev Sharma,
authored a book on community-based epilepsy management in 1998
The present article is in continuation with previous issue article “All about Anger, where the author says – Anger is a natural human emotion, often arising from frustration, threats, or perceived injustice. While around one in four people experience anger regularly, it remains misunderstood. Anger itself is not negative—it’s how it is expressed that shapes its impact. It can manifest as irritation, resentment, or rage, often accompanied by physical changes like a racing heart, muscle tension, and restlessness. When expressed constructively, anger can help set boundaries, resolve conflicts, and promote growth. However, unmanaged anger risks damaging relationships, health, and decision-making. Equally, suppressing anger can cause stress, resentment, and physical illness. Recognising triggers, practising coping strategies, and seeking support are essential for managing anger in healthy, constructive ways. Properly channelled, anger becomes a force for balance and understanding.
-EditorAbstract
Anger as an emotional reaction involves both physical and psychological changes in our health. Despite of common emotional reactions, it can create many physical and psychological disturbances and diseases as well. So, information regarding its management is helpful to learn some of the simple skills to control it. There cannot be a single cause of the anger. Heredity factors, home environment, social learning and cultural factors are important factors for its emergence. Behavioral techniques and cognitive restructuring techniques are found to be effective methods in controlling anger reaction if practiced properly and systematically. They are effective only if practicing therapist or psychologist is equipped with these skills. It cannot be done jus reading an article in the books.
Introduction
Anger is an undesirable state of affairs in that anger and behaviors associated with it constitutes a problem for individuals and society as a whole. According to Charles Spielberger anger is an “emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage” (Spielberger, 1983). It is often consider as a common experience in everyday life (Averill, 1982). Everybody get angry at any point of his or her life. Often it gives favorable result in fulfilling the demand of the individual. However, anger itself is not desirable and good for both physical and emotional health. Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion. But when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems in different areas of life such as problems at work, in the personal relationships, and in the overall quality of our life. Anger may lead also to serious violent offences. However violence can occur in an instrumental fashion without affective arousal. Anger is considered by many as a contributing factor to the general phenomena of aggression and violence (Averill, 1982; Levey & Howells, 1990).
Anger is an undesirable state of affairs in that anger and behaviors associated with it constitutes a problem for individuals and society as a whole. According to Charles Spielberger anger is an “emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage” (Spielberger, 1983). It is often consider as a common experience in everyday life (Averill, 1982). Everybody get angry at any point of his or her life. Often it gives favorable result in fulfilling the demand of the individual. However, anger itself is not desirable and good for both physical and emotional health. Anger is a completely normal, usually healthy, human emotion. But when it gets out of control and turns destructive, it can lead to problems in different areas of life such as problems at work, in the personal relationships, and in the overall quality of our life. Anger may lead also to serious violent offences. However violence can occur in an instrumental fashion without affective arousal. Anger is considered by many as a contributing factor to the general phenomena of aggression and violence (Averill, 1982; Levey & Howells, 1990).
Nature of anger reaction
It is always accompanied by both biological and psychological changes. Biological changes includes increase heart beat, increased respiration rate, raised blood pressure, increase the energy level due to increased blood flow in the muscles, hormonal activities (adrenaline and noradrenaline), increased muscles tension or contraction (skeletal muscles) and increased body temperature. So it affects in all the vital systems of human being. Similarly, there various psychological changes occur during anger reaction. Some of these changes are loss of concentration, decreased ability of tolerance, patience, increased restlessness or pacing movement, heightened tension feeling and impairment in the decision-making ability. If anger reaction persists longer time, it can lead to changes in various physiological functioning and psychological activities of our health.
It is always accompanied by both biological and psychological changes. Biological changes includes increase heart beat, increased respiration rate, raised blood pressure, increase the energy level due to increased blood flow in the muscles, hormonal activities (adrenaline and noradrenaline), increased muscles tension or contraction (skeletal muscles) and increased body temperature. So it affects in all the vital systems of human being. Similarly, there various psychological changes occur during anger reaction. Some of these changes are loss of concentration, decreased ability of tolerance, patience, increased restlessness or pacing movement, heightened tension feeling and impairment in the decision-making ability. If anger reaction persists longer time, it can lead to changes in various physiological functioning and psychological activities of our health.
Why are some people more angry than the others?
Deffenbacher (1999) states that some people really are “hotheaded” than the others. Some people do not express anger overtly. Some people have low tolerance to anger and frustration. One cause for anger reaction may be genetic or physiological: there is evidences that some children are born irritable, touchy, and easily angered from a very early age. Another may be sociocultural: not getting opportunity to learn to handle anger reaction constructively. Research has shown that family background plays a role. Typically, people who are easily angered come from families that are disruptive, chaotic, and not skilled at emotional expression.
Deffenbacher (1999) states that some people really are “hotheaded” than the others. Some people do not express anger overtly. Some people have low tolerance to anger and frustration. One cause for anger reaction may be genetic or physiological: there is evidences that some children are born irritable, touchy, and easily angered from a very early age. Another may be sociocultural: not getting opportunity to learn to handle anger reaction constructively. Research has shown that family background plays a role. Typically, people who are easily angered come from families that are disruptive, chaotic, and not skilled at emotional expression.
Assessment and formulation of anger problems
Anger management must be guided by the current research findings. Literature revealed that the detail assessment of the anger behavior is the first step to develop intervention strategies. Functional analysis of anger is the basic step for anger assessment (Blackborn, R., 1993; Kirk, J. 1989). Various variables need to be considered in the functional analysis of anger. Some of them are listed below:
• Frequency, intensity, duration and form of anger or aggression
• Environmental triggers (including back ground stressors)
• Cognitive antecedents (including biases in appraisal of events, dysfunctional schema, underlying beliefs and values supporting aggression)
• Affective antecedents (emotions preceding aggressive acts, e.g. anger or fear)
• Physiological sensation) antecedents (different
• Coping style and problem-solving skills
• Personality dispositions (e.g. anger- proneness, impulsivity, psychopathy, general criminality, over control, under control) (Anderson and et. al, 1996).
• Mental disorder variables (mood, brain impairment, delusions, personality problems) hallucinations,
• Consequences / functions of aggressive acts (including emotional consequences such as remorse) • Buffer factors (good relationship, family support, achievement in some area)
• Opportunity factors (weapons, victim availability, restrictions) that affects the degree of anger reaction.
• Disinhibitors (alcohol, drugs)
Anger management must be guided by the current research findings. Literature revealed that the detail assessment of the anger behavior is the first step to develop intervention strategies. Functional analysis of anger is the basic step for anger assessment (Blackborn, R., 1993; Kirk, J. 1989). Various variables need to be considered in the functional analysis of anger. Some of them are listed below:
• Frequency, intensity, duration and form of anger or aggression
• Environmental triggers (including back ground stressors)
• Cognitive antecedents (including biases in appraisal of events, dysfunctional schema, underlying beliefs and values supporting aggression)
• Affective antecedents (emotions preceding aggressive acts, e.g. anger or fear)
• Physiological sensation) antecedents (different
• Coping style and problem-solving skills
• Personality dispositions (e.g. anger- proneness, impulsivity, psychopathy, general criminality, over control, under control) (Anderson and et. al, 1996).
• Mental disorder variables (mood, brain impairment, delusions, personality problems) hallucinations,
• Consequences / functions of aggressive acts (including emotional consequences such as remorse) • Buffer factors (good relationship, family support, achievement in some area)
• Opportunity factors (weapons, victim availability, restrictions) that affects the degree of anger reaction.
• Disinhibitors (alcohol, drugs)
Management
The goal of anger management is to reduce both emotional feelings and the physiological arousal that anger causes. A comprehensive management package is essential to deal with the anger and aggression problems. Some of the basic intervention are listed but selection is depended upon the functional analysis of the presenting anger / aggression problem.
The goal of anger management is to reduce both emotional feelings and the physiological arousal that anger causes. A comprehensive management package is essential to deal with the anger and aggression problems. Some of the basic intervention are listed but selection is depended upon the functional analysis of the presenting anger / aggression problem.
Behavioral Strategies to control Anger
Relaxation
Simple relaxation tools, such as deep breathing and relaxing imagery can help in calm down angry feelings. Some simple steps one can try: Breathe deeply, from your diaphragm; breathing from your chest won’t relax you. Slowly repeat a calm word or phrase such as “relax”, “take it easy”. Repeat it while breathing deeply. Use imagery; visualize a relaxing experience, from either your memory or your imagination. Nonsternuous, slow yoga-like exercises can relax your muscles and make you feel much calmer. Practice of these techniques daily is necessary to learn use them automatically when one is in a tense situation.
Use of self-statement to control anger
Remind yourself that getting angry is not going to fix anything, that it won’t make you feel better. Angry people need to become aware of their demanding nature and translate their expectation into desires. “I would like” something is healthier than saying “I demand” or “I must have” something.
Problem Solving
Skills to solve the various type of problems is necessary because often it becomes the sources of frustration and causing anger.
Better Communication
Communication skills are one of the key factors provoking anger to others (Wyer, et al. 1993). When there is a heated discussion: slow down and think through your responses. Don’t say the first thing that comes into your head, but slow down and think carefully about what you want to say. Listen carefully to what the other person is saying and take your time before answering.
Using Humor
It is the opposite activity of anger. Using certain statement that has potential of creating humor in one’s emotional life is found very effective in reducing anger.
Changing the environment
This is all about modifying the anger provoking situation such by giving break to one self, arranging for personal time during the stressful situations, keeping silent for few minutes, or making some rules to prevent anger provoking situations and control one self for better ways of coping with the existing problems.
Cognitive intervention
This means changing the way you think: angry people tend to curse, swear or speak in highly colorful terms that reflect their inner thoughts (Teasdale, J.D., 1997). When we are angry, our thinking can get very exaggerated and overly dramatic. Try replacing these thoughts with more rational ones. For instance, instead of telling ourselves, “oh, it’s awful, it’s terrible, every thing’s ruined,” tell ourselves, “it’s frustrating, and it’s understandable that I’m upset about it, but it’s not the end of the world and getting angry is not going to fix it anyhow. Use words carefully while communicating with others such as “never” or “always”. There are systematic strategies for such restructuring.
Improving client’s understanding of the nature and components of the problem
A collaboratory approach between the client and therapist is essential. Novaco’s (1978, 1993, 1994 &1997) model (such as anger as a product of environmental event, cognitive processes, physiological arousal, and behavioral reactions) could be used explicitly by and with the client. This strategy involves analysing previous episodes of anger, aggression and violence.
A collaboratory approach between the client and therapist is essential. Novaco’s (1978, 1993, 1994 &1997) model (such as anger as a product of environmental event, cognitive processes, physiological arousal, and behavioral reactions) could be used explicitly by and with the client. This strategy involves analysing previous episodes of anger, aggression and violence.
Identifying and modifying the immediate triggering events
Focus on the modification of the triggering factors instead of clients’ response to it (Berkowitz, L., 1990, 1993a). Stimulus control and avoidance of triggering factor are also useful here.
Focus on the modification of the triggering factors instead of clients’ response to it (Berkowitz, L., 1990, 1993a). Stimulus control and avoidance of triggering factor are also useful here.
Identifying and modifying contextual stressors
Client needs to learn the effect of previous stressors on how they deal with particular provocation. Reduction of the provocative factor (family problems, unemployment, and poor living conditions) is the therapeutic goal (Berkowitz, L. (1993b).
Client needs to learn the effect of previous stressors on how they deal with particular provocation. Reduction of the provocative factor (family problems, unemployment, and poor living conditions) is the therapeutic goal (Berkowitz, L. (1993b).
Changing cognitive dysfunctional schemata
inferences and Many inferences in the inference chains need to disconfirm and change (Chemtob, et. al. 1997a). Such as eye contact does not necessarily mean being stared at which is found often anger provocative factors for female. It is an intensive and depth work where therapist should skillful in exploring these inferences in cognitive level.
inferences and Many inferences in the inference chains need to disconfirm and change (Chemtob, et. al. 1997a). Such as eye contact does not necessarily mean being stared at which is found often anger provocative factors for female. It is an intensive and depth work where therapist should skillful in exploring these inferences in cognitive level.
Undermining dysfunctional interferences and schemata developmental roots by tracing their developmental roots
Inferences that ‘this person is ridiculing me in front of others’ has its roots in early experiences of this sort in a family or school environment. It requires more session works rather than single. Because, working with the earlier life experiences and home or school environment needs good between client and the therapist. relationship between client and therapist.
Inferences that ‘this person is ridiculing me in front of others’ has its roots in early experiences of this sort in a family or school environment. It requires more session works rather than single. Because, working with the earlier life experiences and home or school environment needs good between client and the therapist. relationship between client and therapist.
Improving control of physiological arousal
Where arousal is an important part of the anger or violence problem then relaxation and similar techniques have better role to reduce it. These techniques help in reducing the arousal to pre-provocative state of anger. Earlier detection of the signs and symptoms of such arousal through various sense organs is helpful in mediating anger behaviour to control (Forgas, J.P. (1993).
Where arousal is an important part of the anger or violence problem then relaxation and similar techniques have better role to reduce it. These techniques help in reducing the arousal to pre-provocative state of anger. Earlier detection of the signs and symptoms of such arousal through various sense organs is helpful in mediating anger behaviour to control (Forgas, J.P. (1993).
Broadening the repertoire of coping responses
Problem solving, social skills training, and related techniques can be used to generate new ways of coping with potential provocations. Problem solving skills, standard social skill methods of role-play, feedback, rehearsal and homework assignments have a role.
Problem solving, social skills training, and related techniques can be used to generate new ways of coping with potential provocations. Problem solving skills, standard social skill methods of role-play, feedback, rehearsal and homework assignments have a role.
Prevention of escalating social behaviour
Minor triggering factors can lead to violence (such as minor dispute, disagreement). So identifying escalating factors early and controls them through the use of various behavioral techniques (avoidance of such situation)
Minor triggering factors can lead to violence (such as minor dispute, disagreement). So identifying escalating factors early and controls them through the use of various behavioral techniques (avoidance of such situation)
Strengthening commitment to change
Generating motivation in controlling anger or modifying response to provocative situations, provide understanding about the role of negative behaviour (drinking alcohol) used in anger. Edmondson and Conger (1996) in their metaanalytic review found effectiveness of these interventions with the people having trait anger.
Generating motivation in controlling anger or modifying response to provocative situations, provide understanding about the role of negative behaviour (drinking alcohol) used in anger. Edmondson and Conger (1996) in their metaanalytic review found effectiveness of these interventions with the people having trait anger.
Conclusion
Anger as an emotional reaction involves both physical and psychological changes in our health. Despite of common emotional reactions, it can create many physical and psychological disturbances and diseases as well. So, information regarding its management is helpful to learn some of the simple skills to control it. There cannot be a single cause of the anger. Heredity factors, home environment, social learning and cultural factors are important factors for its emergence. Behavioral techniques and cognitive restructuring techniques are found to be effective methods in controlling anger reaction if practiced properly and systematically. They are effective only if practicing therapist or psychologist is equipped with these skills. It cannot be done jus reading an article in the books.
Anger as an emotional reaction involves both physical and psychological changes in our health. Despite of common emotional reactions, it can create many physical and psychological disturbances and diseases as well. So, information regarding its management is helpful to learn some of the simple skills to control it. There cannot be a single cause of the anger. Heredity factors, home environment, social learning and cultural factors are important factors for its emergence. Behavioral techniques and cognitive restructuring techniques are found to be effective methods in controlling anger reaction if practiced properly and systematically. They are effective only if practicing therapist or psychologist is equipped with these skills. It cannot be done jus reading an article in the books.
References:
1. Averill, J.R.. Anger and aggression: An Essay on Emotion. Springerverlag. 1982 New York: 2. Anderson, C.A., Anderson, K.B. & Deuser, W.F. Examining an affective aggression framework: Weapon and temperature effects on aggressive thoughts, affect and attitudes. Personality and social psychology Bulletin. 1996. 22, 366-376. 3. Berkowitz, L. On the formation and regulation of anger and aggression. American Psychologist. 1990; 45, 494-503. 4. Berkowitz, L. Aggression: Its Causes, Consequences, and Control. New York: McGraw-Hill. 1993 5. Berkowitz, L. Towards a general theory of anger and emotional aggression: Implication of the cognitive neo-associationistic perspective for the analysis of anger and other emotions. In R. S. Wyer & T.K. Srull (Eds), Perspectives on Anger and Emotion: Advances in Social Cognition, vol. VI. 1993 6. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum. Blackborn, R. The Psychology of Criminal Conduct. Chichester: Wiley. 1993 7. Chemtob, C.M., Novaco, R.W. Hamada, R.S. & Gross, D.M. (1997a). Cognitive behavioral treatment for severe anger in posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. 1997; 184-189. 8. Deffenbacher, J. How to manage Anger: Controlling Anger Before It Controls You. In: anger control management manual. APA online: http/www/angermgmt.com.1999 9. Edmondson, C.B. & Conger, J.C. A review of treatment efficacy for individuals with anger problems: Conceptual assessment and methodological issues. Clinical Psychology Review. 1996;16, 251-275. 10. Forgas, J.P. Affect, appraisal and action: Towards a multiprocess framework. In R.S. Wyer & T.K. Srull (Eds). Perspectives on Anger and Emotion: Advances in Social Cognition. Vol.VI, Hilsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.1993 11. Kirk, J. Cognitive behavioural assessment. In K. Hawton, P.M. Salkovskis, J. Kird & D.M. Clark (Eds), Cognitive behaviour Therapy for Psychiatrruc Problems: A Practical Guide. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1998 12. Levey, S. & Howells, K. Anger and its management. Journal of Forensic Psychiatry, 1, 305-327.1990 J.P. 13. Novaco, R.W. Anger and coping with stress. In Foreyt & D.P. Rathjen (Eds), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. New York: Plenum.1978 14. Novaco, R.W. Clinicians ought to view anger contextually. Behaviour Change. 1993; 10, 208-218. 15. Novaco, R.W. Anger as a factor for violence among the mentally disordered. In J. Monahan & H.R. Steadman (Eds), Violence and Mental Disorder Developments in Risk Assessment, Chicago: University of Chicago Press.1994 16. Novaco, R.W. Remediating anger and aggression with violent offenders. Legal and Criminological Psychology, 2, 77-78. 1997 17. Spielberger, C. D., Jacobs,G., Russel, `S., & Crane, R.S. Assessment of anger: The State-Trait Anger Scale. In J.N. Butcher & Journal of Nobel Medical College (2011), Vol. N.1 13 Mahat Pashupati C.D. Spielberger (Eds), Advances in Personality Assessment. Hillsdale, N.J: Erlbaum.1983 18. Teasdale, J.D. The relationship between cognition and emotion: The mind-in-Place in mood disorders. In D.M. Clark & C.G. Fairburn (Eds), Science and Practice of Cognitive behaviour Therapy. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1997 19. Wyer, R.S. & Srull, T.K. (Eds), Perspectives on Anger and Emotion: Advances in Social Cognition. Vol. VI, Hilsdale, NJ: Erlbaum. 1993
