Anger Management

Anger is one of our most primal emotions. We usually experience it when faced with some sort of perceived or potentially perceived loss. Left unchecked, the expression of anger can result in severely negative outcomes and aggressive behaviors. These can include negative thoughts, words, and actions, and even violence or abuse. For those experiencing anger, left unaddressed, it can also have negative health outcomes.

Even with its negative associations, anger is an emotion that can be positive when appropriately channeled (through anger management). Anger is perfectly normal because it alerts the angry person when something is wrong or threatening. Anger can also be righteous when we use it to defend ourselves or others. Anger, as an emotion, can also be used as fuel for action. If the action is positive, for instance fleeing a burning building, or accomplishing more work, the anger itself may then be considered positive. When anger is used as emotional fuel, rather than a source for harm, it can help create positive change in the world.

According to the August 2021 Very Well Health article, anger triggers the fight or flight response, culminating in the adrenal glands releasing cortisol and adrenaline hormones. These hormones cause the heart rate and blood pressure to increase in preparation for engaging in conflict. This is what makes anger a primal emotion.

While anger is an emotion that natural physiological processes fuel, aggression is a little more under a person's control, especially if they have developed good anger management skills. The issue is not that a person is angry, as at some point, everyone feels anger The problems arise when anger results in negative, aggressive behaviors. Examples include being argumentative, damaging property, fighting, expressing rage, and threatening others. Alternatively, people with anger issues might act out passive-aggressively through getting revenge or being hostile or critical.

For those suffering from a myriad of mental conditions in the presence of anger, their emotions can go so far as to fuel suicidal tendencies and self-harm. Typically, anger is criticized because it is often associated with negative impacts, but some studies report that anger can sometimes be a good thing, such as in sports. A July 2020 article appearing BBC Future reported a study that watched basketball players respond to clear path fouls or fouls that blatantly got in the way of a clear basket.

Researchers watched these particular fouls, as they typically engender anger in the fouled players because the shoot would have been so easy to make. However, upon taking the free throw, players were more likely to score the free throw after a clear path foul compared with fouls that happened throughout the game and were not so egregious. In other words, anger helped them perform better. Basketball was not the only sport where researchers found that players scored after experiencing an outrageous foul.

To ensure that this was not just unique to basketball, researchers also examined players in the National Hockey League. After analyzing 8,467, researchers found that players were more likely to score after being egregiously fouled and simply because they were incensed. While some might argue that players at that level will naturally score due to practice, the sense of injustice seems to help the players to boost their performance. It appears to give them a brief mental edge.

Outside of sports, the use of anger management techniques can turn that energy into action. Whether it is finding a more satisfying job, or becoming an activist, this energy can motivate a person into creating positive changes in the world. In relationships, anger is an opportunity for the people involved to address issues. By solving the issues, relationships become stronger

To achieve these positive outcomes, one can engage in various anger management techniques, as well as counseling. Exercise is one way to decompress and reduce the stress accompanying anger.

Introspection is also a good anger management strategy. For example, exploring one’s feelings might unearth the source of anger. The above examples are just a few ways a person can address their anger to take something that can be so negative to make it positive..

Effective anger management involves a multifaceted approach, encompassing techniques such as exercise, introspection, and counseling, to address the root causes of anger and foster healthy coping mechanisms. In our book, "Anger Management: A Professional Guide for Group Therapy and Self-Help," we offer actionable exercises and positive psychology interventions designed to cultivate virtues like empathy, self-discipline, and optimism. Leveraging my profound background in Eastern arts, yoga, and meditation, this book seamlessly integrates these ancient practices into the realm of group therapy, providing readers with a holistic toolkit for emotional wellness.

By mastering these transformative techniques, individuals can navigate their anger more adeptly, harnessing its energy to fuel positive endeavors. Ultimately, anger can serve as a catalyst for growth and change, empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives unburdened by its weight. It is through understanding and managing anger that one can unlock the potential for a life filled with peace, joy, and profound personal growth.

Dr.

Marc Noblitt, marceugenenoblitt.com

https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/marc-noblitt/anger-management/ https://www.overdrive.com/media/4572010/anger-management