Anger & Anger Management Flashcards
(19 cards)
Anger
Anger is one of the basic human emotions. It is closely linked to the sympathetic nervous system’s “fight, flight, or freeze” response. Research indicates that individuals prone to anger often exhibit high neuroticism (emotional instability) and low agreeableness (less cooperative).
Aggressive Anger Style
An aggressive anger style involves expressing anger through threats, abuse, or humiliation. This overt display can be harmful, often escalating conflicts rather than resolving issues.
Passive Anger Style
Passive anger is characterized by avoiding confrontation. Instead of expressing anger directly, individuals may withdraw, feel fearful, or avoid addressing problems, which can lead to unresolved issues.
Passive-Aggressive Anger Style
Passive-aggressive anger is expressed indirectly. People using this style may give the silent treatment or withdraw affection as a way to express their anger without openly confronting the issue.
Projective-Aggressive Anger Style
In projective-aggressive anger, an individual prompts or encourages others to act on their anger. This style involves shifting the responsibility of expressing anger onto someone else.
Assertive Anger Style
Assertive anger is a healthy way to express feelings. It involves directly stating one’s thoughts and feelings, taking responsibility for one’s emotions, and seeking constructive solutions to problems.
Causes of Anger
Anger can be triggered by various factors:
Stress: Work, family, health, or money issues.
Frustration: Inability to reach goals or feeling a loss of control.
Fear: Perceived threats or abuse.
Annoyance: Daily hassles or minor irritations.
Disappointment: Unmet expectations or desires.
Resentment: Feelings of hurt, rejection, or offense.
Consequences of Poorly Handled Anger
When anger is not managed effectively, it can lead to:
Depression: Altered thoughts and feelings with loss of interest.
Work Problems: Negative impressions and career setbacks.
Substance Abuse: Using drugs or alcohol to dull anger.
Poor Decision Making: Reduced concentration and judgment.
Relationship Issues: Insults, criticism, or threats damaging bonds.
Low Self-Esteem: Feelings of helplessness and loss of control.
Anger Management
Anger management is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) designed to help individuals control and channel their anger constructively. It teaches self-reflection, recognition of triggers, and practical skills to respond to anger-provoking situations—critical in settings like prisons where uncontrolled anger can lead to criminals.
Stages of Anger Management: Cognitive Preparation
Cognitive Preparation involves:
Reflecting on past anger responses.
Identifying personal triggers and physiological changes.
Recognizing irrational thoughts.
Redefining situations as non-threatening.
This stage sets the groundwork for learning healthier responses.
Stages of Anger Management: Skill Acquisition
During Skill Acquisition, individuals learn techniques to avoid triggers and manage anger. This includes assertiveness training and effective communication skills, enabling them to control their emotions rather than being overwhelmed by them.
Stages of Anger Management: Application Practice
Application Practice involves role-playing scenarios (e.g., work conflicts, family disputes, traffic frustrations) to apply newly learned skills. Therapists deliberately provoke responses to reinforce effective strategies and provide positive feedback for improvement.
Benefits of Application Practice
Role-playing in anger management:
Generalisability: Helps transfer skills to real-life situations.
Confidence Building: Increases self-assurance in managing anger.
Improvement Identification: Highlights areas where further practice is needed.
Ireland (2000) Study on Anger Management
This study compared prisoners who completed the CALM anger management program with those who did not. Findings indicated that participants in the program reported lower anger levels and were rated as less aggressive by prison officers, though long-term effects on re-offending were not assessed.
Strengths of Anger Management Programs
Strong research support for reducing anger and aggression.
A multidisciplinary approach addressing cognition, behavior, and environment.
Potential for improved self-control and behavior modification when properly resourced.
Weaknesses of Anger Management Programs
Limited evidence for long-term effectiveness.
Role-play scenarios may lack real-world realism.
Not all crimes are driven by anger (e.g., fraud, drug-related offenses).
Possibility that improved anger control might be misused (e.g., to manipulate others).
Anger and the Sympathetic Nervous System
Anger triggers the sympathetic nervous system, which activates the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. This prepares the body to react to perceived threats, explaining the physiological symptoms often experienced during anger.
Personality Traits Linked to Anger
Research suggests that those prone to anger typically exhibit:
High Neuroticism: Increased emotional instability.
Low Agreeableness: Less cooperative and more prone to conflict.
Gh These traits can make an individual more likely to respond with anger.
