Causes Of Anger

Anger by itself is not harmful. It is a resistance mechanism that guards and induces us from being controlled by others. However, if anger is unrestrained then it becomes destructive. The affect of unmanaged anger can wreak havoc on personal relationships as well as physical well-being. It is important to understand the causes of anger to aid anger management.

An anger problem may stem due to internal causes of anger which are a result of our irrational perceptions and thinking patterns.

Some internal causes of anger are:

People reason emotionally and get the wrong impression about normal events and things that other people say and assume that they are in conflict with their desires and aims. People who use emotional reasoning are prone to get annoyed with something innocent reaction of other people as they are always under the notion that they are being judgmental. Emotional reasoning can lead to dysfunctional anger if not managed effectively.

Everyone has a tolerance limit for handling frustration. Problems arise for some people who tend to have low tolerance for frustration. They are unable to handle frustration and view even normal things as hindrance to their interest and pride.

When people make unreasonable demands, they view things from their point of view and not see things as they really are. Having such unfair expectations and expecting certain behavior from other people or events to occur in a particular way lowers their patience. When these things do not happen the way they perceive it causes rage, frustration, and depression.

Name calling or people-rating is an anger resulting when a person is applied with an offensive tag by someone else.

Physical and emotional pain reduces frustration tolerance. The focus is on handling pain and this reduces the attention and time spared for everything else. Pain, loss, and the unpredictable actions of others can also cause anger.

Resident psychological and disturbing conflicts such as loss or misery, past abuse, contained anger or hatred, covered up emotional desires, controlling nature, suppressed grief, humiliation, or upset feelings.

Psychiatric disorders could also be a reason for anger problems.

Some external causes of anger are:

If a person is personally targeted or abused it results in anger and frustration.

If a person is attacked for his thinking, ideas and attitude, it can result in loss of temper

Alcoholism and drug addiction could also fuel anger problems. Drugs and alcohol affect the brain’s capacity to process information and can cause irritation, depression or bring out suppressed emotions or memories that can cause anger.

When a person’s stress-level increases, tolerance also decreases.

Modeling is learning by observing others who are role models. Following a role model's manners, anger problems become a “bad habit.” If the model communicates anger in negative way, we are prone to use the same way.

However, the good thing about bad behaviors patterns is that it can be unlearned. The need is to change negative patterns of angry behavior and learn positive ways that helps manage anger better.