How To Control Your Anger Part 1
In my work with individuals and couples, I see many people who
have a difficult time expressing and managing angry feelings. Let’s take a look
at what causes people to become angry and how they can respond to stressful
situations more productively.
What Is Anger?
Many people think that anger is caused by hormonal changes or
brain activity. This is only partly true. Researchers have found that while
hormones play a role in an angry response, there is always a cognitive
(thinking) component.
Some people think that humans are innately aggressive or warlike.
While our behavior is sometimes hostile toward others, anger is not part
of our basic nature.
Frustration may lead to aggression, but it is not
inevitable. Some people respond to frustrating events with anger, while others
don’t. Anger is only one response to frustration. In many cultures, people are
taught to respond to frustration in other ways.
Since Freud’s day, psychologists have disagreed about the value of
venting feelings. It may surprise you to know that today’s research shows that
expressing anger often results in more irritation and tension rather than
feeling more calm.
Why Expressing Anger Can Be Bad for You
Giving vent to anger can produce the following kinds of harmful
effects:
• Your blood pressure increases.
• The original problem is worse rather than better.
• You come across as unfriendly and intimidating.
• The other person becomes angry with you as a result of your
behavior.
Physical Effects of Anger
Heart. Researchers at Stanford University have found that
of all the personality traits found in Type A patients, the potential for
hostility is the key predictor for coronary disease. The combination of anger
and hostility is the most deadly.
Stomach and intestines. Anger has a very negative effect on
the stomach and has even been associated with the development of ulcerative
colitis.
Nervous system. Anger is bad for you because it exaggerates
the associated hormonal changes. Chronic suppressed anger is damaging because it
activates the sympathetic nervous system responses without providing any release
of the tension. It is a bit like stepping down on a car’s accelerator while
slamming on the brakes.
Continued in Part 2
|
