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Dealing With Anger. What is Anger?. Anger is “an emotional state that that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage.”* Out of control anger can be dangerous. Physiological and biological changes occur. *Charles Spielberger, PhD. What Causes Anger?. External events
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What is Anger? • Anger is “an emotional state that that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage.”* • Out of control anger can be dangerous. • Physiological and biological changes occur. *Charles Spielberger, PhD
What Causes Anger? • External events specific person an event (traffic) • Internal events worry brooding traumatic memories enraging memories
Some People are More Angry Than Others • “hotheaded” • chronically irritable • sulking • physical symptoms • low frustration tolerance
Why are Some More Angry? • genetics • physiology • Socio-cultural factors • family background • lack of communication skills
Four Main Approaches 1. expressing 2. suppressing 3. calming 4. “tending and befriending”
1. Expressing Anger • Anger helps us to fight and defend ourselves when we are attacked. • However, when a physical reaction is not appropriate, we need other ways to react. • There are limits to socially acceptable expressions of anger.
But, is it Really Good for us to “Let it All Hang Out?” • myth of getting it out • actually can escalate anger • overlooks “triggers” • can be aggressive
2. Suppressing • Anger can be suppressed, then converted or redirected. • Often suppressed anger comes out in unexpected (and unwanted) ways.
The Unexpressed Anger Can Create Problems • passive-aggressive behavior • critical behavior that sabotages relationships • physical problems: high blood pressure hypertension depression
3. Calming • reduce emotional feelings • reduce physiological arousal • learn to control your reactions • try to replace anger-provoking thoughts with rational thoughts
4. Tending and Befriending: Women’s Unique Anger Management Technique • Women often react to anger by going into a “tend and befriend” mode. • Relationships help women overcome their negative feelings.
Using Anger Strategies • You can’t get rid of the people or things that enrage you, but you can learn to control your reactions. • If you find yourself acting in ways that seem out of control and frightening, you might need some help to find better ways to deal with this emotion.