Use this cooling off time to assess the situation, work out why you are angry and think about how you could deal with the problem without becoming aggressive. Take a step back – Remove yourself from the situation to cool off before returning. Visualise yourself in the situation resolving the problem in this new way so you are better prepared to deal with situations when they arise. Identify triggers – Look out for situations that may trigger aggression, then try to work out the best way to deal with these situations in the future. Dealing with anger and aggression at home Similarly, any other situations which are interpreted as containing some form of threat or injustice may be result in aggressive outbursts. Specific events: Job loss often triggers anger because it threatens financial security. In addition, if you had an aggressive role model as a child you are more likely to react to anger in the same way. This is thought to be because they are permanently on 'high alert' as a result of their past and may react to perceived threats in a way considered excessive by others. This is because alcohol reduces our inhibitions and alters how we perceive situations.Ĭhildhood: People may be more prone to anger problems if they experienced abuse as a child. In addition, society has become focused on alcohol, which is closely linked to aggression. Society: Men can feel under peer pressure to 'man-up', particularly in male-dominated environments. This same inbuilt human response causes the feelings of anger we experience when we feel under threat today. hitting, punching people or slamming doors), ignoring or socially excluding others (passive aggression) Causes of anger and aggressionĮvolution: Our early ancestors would have experienced a great deal of threat in their lives and their inbuilt response (known as the 'fight or flight response') helped keep them safe and alive.

family, colleagues, strangers, physical violence (e.g. We may respond to anger in physical and psychological ways such as those listed below:Īnger – physical responses: increased heart rate and blood pressure, sweating, muscle tension, clenched jawĪnger – psychological responses: feelings of frustration, feelings of rejection, feelings of mistreatment, hostility towards some peopleĪggression: shouting at people (e.g.

Shouting and physical violence are ways we release anger that may cause problems with family, friends and work colleagues. Feelings of jealousy, guilt and embarrassment can also be behind anger.Īnger is a natural response that everyone experiences, however when it gives rise to aggression it becomes a problem. Threats can come in many forms and are not just physical (such as being assaulted) but also include financial threats such as losing your job. Services for organisations and businessesĪnger is an immediate response that arises when we feel threatened or mistreated.

Pent up aggression