Question 6: Anger

Question 1

Technical Definition of Anger

Answer 1

Anger is a negatively, internally felt, psychobiological state, which varies in frequency, intensity and duration.

Question 2

5 Stages of Anger Episode Model

Answer 2

1. Anger Triggers
Negative/Unwanted behaviors
Objects
Own behavior
Extreme events
Memories

2. Evaluations (of the triggers)
Interpretation/Judgement
Awfulizing
Low Frustration Tolerance
Demandingness
Negative Global Ratings of Others/Self
Misinterpretations & Distortions.

3. Personal Experiences (in the situation):
   Anger Intensity
   Duration
   Body Sensations

4. Expression Patterns (in reaction)
Holding it in
Indirect expression
Outward--Physical, Gestures
Outward--Verbal: raised voice, accusations, sarcasm, harsh tone, profanity, facial expressions
Avoidance
Drug Use
Positive - Attempts to resolve situation

5. Outcomes (of the expression/lack thereof)
   Positive –
   Release of cortisol and epinephrine, good feeling
   Zest, compliance/obedience feeling powerful
   Reinforces anger episode
   (Mostly short lived)

Negative – 
interpersonal conflict
Negative eval of others
Verbal/physical assault, 
Erratic driving
Property destruction
Injuries
Occupational maladjustment 
Medical conditions – eg hypertension

Question 3

Magdol article: gender differences in partner violence, in a birth cohort of 21 yr olds.

Answer 3

Anger expression and frequency varies by gender.
* described anger and partner violence in rep. sample of 941 young adults,

• report of physical violence 37% women, 22% men
• men inflict more injury due to their increased strength
• severe violence in men associated with unemployment, less education, less social support, polydrug use, Antisocial PD, depression

*study converges with community study findings that
1) Women more frequently physically violent toward partner
2) Violence perpetrated against women by men
associated with deviant characteristics

Question 4

Archer Meta-analysis

Answer 4

• Women perpetuate more verbal aggression, minor and severe physical violence than men.
• Important to consider when evaluating the various institutions, programs, and interventions geared towards female victims of abuse. While those are crucial institutions, it seems wrong that there are no counterparts for men
• Possible explanation is societal evaluation of physical aggression towards partners

Question 5

7 Intervention Strategies

Answer 5

1) avoidance-escape – avoiding anger provoking situations, escape is leaving situations where you are angry

2) problem solving,
a. positive style – stepping back and relooking at situation, clearly delineate situation and come up with possible solutions. Assess probable outcomes – long and short term, select best alternative and use it.

3) REBT
Most triggers are minor inconveniences.
Thinking creates anger, changing thinking process changes reaction.
Indentify what you were thinking when you felt angry:
Awfulizing
Low frustration tolerance
Demandingness
Negative global ratings of others and of self
Distortions
Misinterpreting actions or intentions
Jumping to conclusions
Correct each of these problematic hot thoughts to warm thoughts. Practice thinking in everyday life.

4) Forgiveness: extremely powerful tool – to allow anger to go, to stop mental replays, unforgiving responses – eg ruminating/avoiding/revenge thoughts
Uncover anger
Decide to forgive, define forgiveness – eg not forgetting, work to understand why people behave badly (contextualize)

5) Relaxtion techniques – progressive muscle relaxtion, prayer, massage,
6) Exposure – imaginal through barbing
7) Assertiveness – middleground between verbal aggression and unassertiveness.