Anger is a normal response to a threatening situation, but aggression can lead to problems. Physical signs of anger include increased heart rate and breathing, and adrenaline release. Children who aren’t taught to express anger healthily may become angry adults. Suppressing anger can lead to stress and health problems. Anger management techniques include assertiveness, redirection, relaxation, and recognizing triggers.
Anger and aggression that lead to violence represent an inability to control feelings of frustration. Psychologists believe that anger is a normal response necessary for survival when faced with a threatening situation. Acting on anger aggressively could lead to problems with social interactions, work, or law enforcement. The link between anger and aggression depends on learning to control negative emotions without resorting to verbal or physical violence.
Physical indications of anger include an increase in heart rate and breathing. The body also releases adrenaline to deal with a threatening situation. In men, extra testosterone may be available to prepare the body for fight or flight. Tight muscles, faster speech, and a red face are other signs of anger.
Preschoolers tend to express anger and aggression by hitting playmates or throwing tantrums when frustrated. Young people who aren’t taught how to express anger in healthy ways may grow up to be angry adults who use aggression when upset. If they learn frustration verbalization and problem-solving skills, children have a better chance of controlling anger and aggression.
Psychologists list some factors that increase the risk of aggression in children. Those who grew up in low-income households and children born to young mothers are at greater risk of acting out aggressively in adulthood. A younger sibling also influences how a child deals with frustration. These risks could be overcome by good parenting skills and a stable family life.
Suppressing anger and aggression could lead to intense stress from inward-turned anger. People who fail to express anger in healthy ways may internalize emotions, leading to low self-esteem, depression, substance abuse, and problems interacting with other people. Health problems could also develop, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and a compromised immune system.
Anger management techniques generally focus on three ways to control emotions. A person may learn to use assertiveness instead of aggression to express feelings and solve problems. Redirecting anger without internalizing negative emotions could also help a patient gain control, as well as learn better ways to communicate. Psychologists also recommend relaxation techniques to deal with the physiological effects of anger.
In some people, learning to recognize triggers helps control aggression. Hunger, fatigue, and chronic pain could cause an angry response that spirals out of control. Women suffering from hormone-related PMS might also become prone to anger. Alcohol also causes anger in some people.
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