Anger is a reaction to an inner emotion and not a planned action. Angry behaviors are learned over the life-span and therefore can be unlearned and replaced with healthier patterns of coping. Anger can be an immediate reaction to an isolated event or it can be a response after numerous events. To repress anger is unhealthy and yet to express it impulsively, as we so often do, may give momentary relief but inevitably will carry negative consequences. To alter our angry responses, we need to understand from where it comes.
T here are a variety of factors that increase the probability of an anger reaction.
If we have seen our parents get angry first and resolve an issue after, we are more likely to use the same approach. Thus, types of anger are learned. If we are frustrated and feel stressed, we are more likely to react with anger. If we are tired, we are more prone to react in an angry fashion. If we tend to hold our feelings inside rather than talk them out, we are more likely to have an angry outburst as the pressure increase much like a pressure cooker.