Stages of Anger

Anger is a normal emotion but can become destructive if it gets out of hand. It can vary from irritation to intense wrath. For effective anger management, it is necessary to identify the stages of anger. Extreme anger is a powerful and intense feeling of rage, irritation, fury, indignation towards someone or something. When angry, the heart rate and blood pressure increases causing stress.

Anger could be a result of frustration, hurt, fear, disillusionment, embarrassment or lack of proper communication. Anger can result in screaming, throwing things, disregard, storming out, withdrawing or even in extreme cases, violent and abusive behavior. When anger is unmanaged, it creates problems for everyone.

Anger management helps in identifying the cause of anger, discover ways to express anger and prevent angry explosions. It is recognizing the signs of anger and learning how to relax and manage the situation before it gets out of hand.

Here is the process of the four stages of anger

Stage 1: Pre-anger or the Build-up

This is the period which sets the stage for the anger is built and disagreement arises. The causes of this could be past experiences, stress, low self confidence conflicting attitudes or poor coping skills.

To prevent build-up anger management techniques aim at teaching better coping skills. Improving self esteem and talking calmly are also ways to prevent build-up of anger. Analyzing the sources and set off of anger has to be identified. This helps to formulate strategies to control anger.

Stage 2: Heating up

This is the stage which results when one gets emotionally involved. Sometimes, an act or an idea could set off the angry outburst. Hatred, unpleasant thoughts, depression, unreasonable behavior or uncomfortable topics could a spark to cause an angry outburst.

To prevent this stage it is necessary to listen calmly and identify the source of anger. Only then it is possible to employ techniques to defuse anger before it blows up.

Stage 3: The Outburst

This stage occurs when one is emotionally hurt and temper is lost. The outburst usually occurs due to insults, name calling, rude behavior or abuse. Recollections of disturbing or enraging events can also set off angry feelings.

When this stage of anger is reached, the main aim is to contain the outburst and limit the damage. It is important to remain calm and not use threats to contain anger. Relaxation techniques, separating the person from the scenario and cooling off can help control the outburst.

Stage 4: The Consequences

This is one of the most important and often overlooked stages of anger. This is the time when the outbursts are over and are beginning to calm down. This period should be used to assess your behavior, understand your mistakes and learn how to handle anger better.

It is important that the outburst is discussed and analyzed to find out the cause of anger. To reach this level it is necessary to control emotions and remain calm. Resolution of the problem is a way to ensure that future episodes of angry outbursts are avoided.