Various types of anger affect us. Nearly everyone experiences anger from time to time. Harnessing your anger and learning to control it takes time and practice, but it is possible. However, even those who have their anger under excellent control are still likely to be affected by the anger of others.
This article offers smart tips about anticipating, controlling, and reversing anger in any situation. We also provide advice about how to react to the anger of others. The four most common types of anger that we have to deal with regularly are:
- Temper Tantrum Anger
- Aggressive Anger
- Annoyance Anger
- Justifiable Anger
Type of Anger #1: Temper Tantrums
The temper tantrum type of anger typically manifests during childhood. Most young people are prone to tantrums during their early development and maturation phases. Think terrible twos.
Temper tantrums are not always justifiable and are commonly displaced onto proximal individuals who have done nothing to deserve the treatment. Sometimes, the emotional fury of a temper tantrum is woven with aggressive anger-based actions like those reviewed below.
The type of anger that a temper tantrum causes is commonly a disproportionate emotional outburst that surfaces when the person doesn’t “get their way.” Their selfish desires overtake them, resulting in a dramatic refusal to be logical or cordial. Thankfully, most people grow out of their temper tantrum stages as they mature and become more compassionate.
Those that continue to throw temper tantrums into adulthood commonly have difficulties developing mature, sustainable relationships. Many people find that they need to seek professional help in overcoming their tantrums. They know that change is necessary but often fail to ask for help.
If you are an adult that suffers from throwing temper tantrums, then it is essential to take steps to become more self-aware. Take an action back and look at yourself the way that others are seeing you. It takes a sincere desire to change for the better but is truly worth the effort!
Type of Anger #2: Aggressive Anger
The aggressive type of anger can manifest in several different forms. It doesn’t have to be physical in nature. It can include intimidation, dominance, and other forms of mental and physical manipulation and control. Psychological abuse, emotional violence, bullying, and other forms of oppression all qualify as aggressive anger.
People that demonstrate the aggressive type of anger are trying to cover their insecurities by acting dominant. When aggressive anger is left unaddressed, it often leads to adverse outcomes, including physical harm, emotional trauma, ruined relationships, reputation damage, incarceration, and worse.
If you are chronically affected by an aggressively angry person, look at them mindfully. You will see an underlying sense of fear and inadequacy inside them. This is the source of their improperly aggressive behaviors. It would help if you kept a safe distance from these people until they actively seek help to improve.
Type of Anger #3: Annoyance Anger
Annoyance anger is the most common type of anger in responsible adults. Life can be frustrating for all of us, and sometimes, it gets the better of us. We can lash out in annoyance anger and almost instantly regret what we have said or done to someone close to us.
To avoid the annoyance type of anger, concentrate your thoughts on the positive aspects of your days instead of allowing the inevitable not-so-positive elements to control your thoughts. Move through the unpleasant annoyances to make them exit your day. Anticipating the things that are prone to annoy and limiting your exposure to them will help you to remain more positive and happier!
Type of Anger #4: Justifiable Anger
The justifiable kind of anger is caused by having a sense of moral high ground and asserting it. For instance, you might find yourself feeling angry about apparent injustices in the world (starving children, slavery, cruelty to animals, human trafficking, etc.), and then, find yourself acting out in anger because of those feelings.
This type of anger stems from feelings of helplessness to change situations or events that are larger than us. In the short-term, expressing justifiable anger can have some benefit by releasing endorphins and just allowing yourself to “vent.”
However, if you find yourself expressing justifiable anger on a continuous and regular basis, you should consider seeking some professional counseling to help guide your recovery and increase your well-being. In the long-term, this type of anger will hurt you more than anyone else.
Other Types of Anger
It’s important to understand that the four types of anger discussed in this article are not the only types. These four are types of psychological anger, but there are others to consider. For example, some people feel chronically irritated or angry because of hormone imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, illicit or prescription substance misuse, a brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and various other causes.