The Nature of Anger Anger is 'an emotional state that varies in intensity from mild irritation to intense fury and rage,' according to Charles Spielberger, Ph.D., a psychologist who specializes in the study of anger. Anger can be caused by both external and internal events. Memories of traumatic or enraging events can also trigger angry feelings. The instinctive, natural way to express anger is to respond aggressively. A certain amount of anger, therefore, is necessary to our survival.
People use a variety of both conscious and unconscious processes to deal with their angry feelings.
The three main approaches are expressing, suppressing, and calming. To do this, you have to learn how to make clear what your needs are, and how to get them met, without hurting others. Anger can be suppressed, and then converted or redirected. This happens when you hold in your anger, stop thinking about it and focus on something positive. The aim is to inhibit or suppress your anger and convert it into more constructive behavior.