Areas of Focus

Anger

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“Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way — that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy.”
— ARISTOTLE

Anger usually occurs when we are caught up expecting the world to be different than it is. Strong feelings of displeasure are evoked and these can range from mild irritation to full-blown rage. Anger can be both positive and destructive. On the one hand, it can encourage the communication of negative sentiment and the redress of grievances. On the other hand, one may become possessed by anger, lose objectivity, and cause harm.

Three forms of anger have been identified. The continuum approach views Passive Anger at the one end, Aggressive Anger at the other end, and Assertive Anger in the centre. Passive Anger relates to an indirect expression of anger. For example, delaying a Whatsapp reply because the party offended you in some way or another. Aggressive Anger involves an outburst of verbal and/or physical aggression. Assertive Anger involves a clear and direct expression of discontent. Both Passive Anger and Aggressive Anger styles require a movement towards the centre position of Assertive Anger.

Various thought patterns precede the expression of Passive Anger or Aggressive Anger, and include:

  • Blame: someone else is at fault.

  • Over-generalization: the use of “always” and “never” are common.

  • Rigidity: the inability to reconcile what is happening with what is imagined should happen.

  • Mind-reading: falsely intuiting intentional hurt or disrespect.

  • Collecting straws: tallying up incidents until the last straw is broken.

Altering your characteristic expression of anger involves an examination of the origin and function of the emotion, as well as developing ways to moderate the behaviour. This may involve modifying characteristic thought patterns (e.g. blame and over-generalization), better regulating internal states, and improving communication.

References

Fernandez, E. (2008). The angry personality: A representation on six dimensions of anger expression. In G. Boyle, D. Matthews & D. Saklofske (Eds.), International handbook of personality theory and testing: Vol. 2: Personality measurement and assessment. London: Sage.

Hall, P. (2008). Anger, rage and relationship: An empathic approach to anger management. London: Routledge.

Hedlund, B., & Lindquist, C. (1984). The development of an inventory for distinguishing among passive, aggressive, and assertive behavior. Behavioral Assessment, 6(4), 379–390

Kassinove, H. (2013). Anger disorders: Definition, diagnosis, and treatment. Oxon: Taylor & Francis.