Anger Definition: We explain what anger is, what its causes are, and what its effects are on the body. We also provide some strategies for managing anger. Please read other MTV articles for more information. If you share it, it will be of little help to us.
What is anger?
Anger or rage (and its more intense versions: wrath and fury) refer to a feeling of irritation or annoyance, whether more or less violent, that arises in response to a stimulus or an internal or external situation. This sensation can be directed at a specific stimulus or manifest itself in a general and nonspecific way.
Anger is part of the primitive responses that humans and animals exhibit when faced with threatening situations, and which are linked to survival. These are often accompanied by a series of physical and psychological changes, as the body and mind prepare for the possibility of fighting or fleeing. Other reactions, such as indignation or resentment, may also occur. Must Read About Vice Once.
The word “anger” comes from the Latin verb “innoiare,” which means “to cause hatred.” This term could derive from expressions such as “in odio esse” (“to be hated”). It arrived in Spanish in the form “enoyar,” which evolved into the current “enojar.” It was incorporated into the language within the cultural framework of Christianity, in whose tradition it is one of the seven deadly sins, which are those that generate other sins.
Origin of the word “anger”
KEY POINTS
- Anger is an emotional response that arises from a situation perceived as threatening or unjust.
- The causes of anger include a trigger (the event that provokes the reaction), personal characteristics (personality traits and emotional state), and a cognitive appraisal (the interpretation of the situation). The physiological effects of anger on the body include increased blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing; adrenaline production; muscle tension; and increased stress levels.
- Some strategies for managing anger include taking a break to calm down, expressing feelings verbally, interrupting the situation when necessary, reflecting on what happened, and looking for constructive ways to deal with it in the future.
Causes of Anger
There are three key factors whose interaction determines whether a person becomes angry: the trigger, personal characteristics, and cognitive appraisal.
- The trigger: This is the event or situation that provokes anger. For example, a valuable object being carelessly broken or someone abruptly interrupting a conversation.
- Personal characteristics: These include personality traits, such as impatience or a tendency toward perfectionism; and the previous emotional state, such as high levels of stress or pent-up frustration.
- Cognitive appraisal: This is the interpretation of the situation, which can be evaluated as reprehensible, unjustified, or deserving of punishment.
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Effects of Anger on the Body
Anger manifests itself perceptibly through physical changes, especially affecting facial expression and body language, and, in extreme cases, can lead to physical aggression.
These responses are often accompanied by alterations in perception and self-control, which make it difficult to objectively observe reality. Therefore, angry people tend to interpret events differently than they would in a calm state.
Furthermore, anger generates a series of physiological effects in the body, including:
- Increased blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing.
- Increased production of adrenaline and noradrenaline, hormones related to physical and emotional arousal.
- Muscle tension and body stiffness, which can lead to contractures and general fatigue.
- Increased stress levels.
Strategies for Managing Anger
Anger is a natural reaction, but its continued presence can generate negative physical, emotional, and social consequences. Therefore, it is important to learn how to manage it appropriately. This doesn’t mean repressing it, but rather implementing strategies that allow you to express it in a more constructive way, both for yourself and for others.
Some strategies include:
- Take a break – Before reacting impulsively, it’s helpful to take a moment to calm down and reduce the intensity of your anger. For example, count to ten or take five slow, deep breaths.
- Express your anger verbally – Instead of reacting aggressively, it’s preferable to verbalize your anger clearly and respectfully. For example, saying phrases like “I’m upset” or “I’m really angry” helps release tension without damaging communication or relationships.
- Step back if necessary – If anger escalates and could spiral out of control, it’s best to interrupt the discussion and withdraw temporarily. This prevents impulsive reactions and allows time for reflection.
- Reflect after calming down – Once your anger has subsided, you can reflect on the situation objectively. Analyzing your own reaction and considering different perspectives allows you to understand what happened and develop more effective ways to handle similar situations in the future.
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References
All the information we offer is supported by authoritative and up-to-date bibliographic sources, ensuring reliable content in line with our editorial principles.
- Online Spanish Etymological Dictionary. (n.d.). Etymology of anger. etimologias.dechile.net
- Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence. Kairós.
- Royal Spanish Academy. (n.d.). Anger. Dictionary of the Spanish language. dle.rae.es
