The Stress Emotions: Anger and Fear Chapter 5
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Transcript of The Stress Emotions: Anger and Fear Chapter 5
The Stress Emotions: Anger and Fear
Chapter 5
“To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.”
—Nelson Mandela
Anger and Fear
• There are two emotions specifically associated with the stress response:– anger– fear
• Anger produces the urge to fight.• Fear promotes the urge to run and hide.
The Anatomy of Anger
The Colors (Manifestations) of AngerImpatience Rage HostilityPrejudice Sarcasm CynicismJealousy Envy GuiltFrustration Resentment Fear
Others?
The Anatomy of Anger (continued)
• Rage Reflex – aggressive nature of all animals for survival.
• Anger and unmet expectations• Emotional Literacy (intelligence) – ability
to express emotions in a healthy way.• Anger is an energizing emotion, fear is
an energy-draining emotion• Gender similarities/differences
Correcting the Myth of Catharsis
Not all venting of anger is good or healthy!1. Cast anger in the right direction2. Expression must offer a sense of self-
control (not revenge)3. Expression of anger must be
understood by others 4. Expression must not antagonize othersShould be direct and diplomatic.
Four Mismanaged Anger Styles
Unresolved anger becomes a control issue– The Somatizer– The Self-punisher– The Exploder– The Underhander
The Somatizer
Suppress rather than express (soma=body)• Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD)• Migraines• Rheumatoid arthritis• Hypertension• Liver problems• Many women (but not all) tend to be
somatizers
The Self-Punisher
Expressed as self-punishment for guilt of anger.
• Excessive eating• Excessive sleeping• Excessive exercise• Shopping• Cutting (self-mutilation)
The Exploder
Hostile, often displaced and intimidating• Road rage• Phone rage• Violent behavior (e.g., Columbine HS)• Excessive swearing• Type A - CHD
The Underhander
Passive-aggressive behavior (sabotage)• Sarcasm• Late for meetings• Not returning phone calls• Padding one’s expense account• Seeking revenge
Creative Anger Strategies• Know your anger style• Learn to monitor your anger• Learn to de-escalate your anger• Learn to out-think your anger• Get comfortable with all your feelings—express them
constructively• Plan ahead• Develop a strong support system• Develop realistic expectations of yourself and others• Learn problem-solving techniques• Stay in shape• Turn complaints into requests• Make past anger pass: forgiveness
The Anatomy of Fear
The Colors (Manifestations) of FearDoubt AnxietySuspicion AgitationWorry ParanoiaEmbarrassment
Others?
The Anatomy of Fear (continued)
• Fear is a learned reaction (conditioned)
• Rational vs. irrational fears
• When is fear appropriate?
• When is fear unwarranted?
The Anatomy of Fear (Basic Human Fears)
• Fear of failure• Fear of rejection• Fear of the unknown• Fear of death• Fear of isolation• Fear of the loss of self-dominance
Strategies to Overcome Fear
Fear must be confronted (diplomatically) to beresolved!
– Behavior Therapy - Systematic desensitization– Realistic expectations– Learn to stop making excuses and stop beating
yourself up– Plan for the future, rather than worry about it—
be proactive!
Depression: A By-Product of Anger/Fear
• High use of anti-depressants in America (33%)• Depression—Anger turned inward?• Symptoms:
- Overwhelming sadness - Perpetual blues- Prolonged grieving - Feeling
melancholy– Others ______________________________
Depression: Antidepressants Only Treat Symptoms
“A chemical cure cannot heal emotional wounds.”
—Susan SkogAuthor, Depression: What Your Body Is Trying to Tell You