Areas of Focus

Anger

Anger usually arises when we expect the world to be different from what it is. The feelings of displeasure it produces range from mild irritation to full-blown rage. Anger can be constructive or destructive: it can prompt the expression of grievance and the redress of wrongs, but it can also take hold, eclipse objectivity, and cause harm.

Three forms of anger sit along a continuum, with passive anger at one end, aggressive anger at the other, and assertive anger between them. Passive anger expresses itself indirectly, such as delaying a reply to a message because the other person caused offence. Aggressive anger erupts as a verbal or physical outburst. Assertive anger involves a clear and direct expression of dissatisfaction. The therapeutic task, for those at either extreme, is movement toward the assertive centre.

Several thought patterns typically precede passive or aggressive expression. Blame locates the fault entirely in another. Over-generalisation relies on "always" and "never." Mind-reading wrongly infers intentional hurt or disrespect from another's behaviour.

Altering a habitual expression of anger requires examining both its origins and the function it serves. Practical work includes modifying the thought patterns above, regulating internal states more effectively, and improving communication.

References

Fernandez, E. (2008). The angry personality: A representation on six dimensions of anger expression. In G. Boyle, D. Matthews & D. Saklofske (Eds.), International handbook of personality theory and testing: Vol. 2: Personality measurement and assessment. London: Sage.

Hall, P. (2008). Anger, rage and relationship: An empathic approach to anger management. London: Routledge.

Hedlund, B., & Lindquist, C. (1984). The development of an inventory for distinguishing among passive, aggressive, and assertive behavior. Behavioral Assessment, 6(4), 379–390

Kassinove, H. (2013). Anger disorders: Definition, diagnosis, and treatment. Oxon: Taylor & Francis.