Understanding Anger: Read and Respond

Anger is a basic human emotion that we all feel sometimes. It is a strong sense of unhappiness and/or aggressiveness. Anger is often triggered by the feeling that you or someone else is being abused, or treated wrongly or unfairly. Imagine that you and a friend were both caught texting during class, but only you got sent to the principal’s office. The unequal punishment might make you feel angry. Different people have different triggers for anger, and different people show anger differently. Some people show their anger through physical violence, and others keep it to themselves.

Based on the passage, which of these is true?

• Anger is always shown through physical violence.

• Not everyone shows their anger in the same way.

• It is not normal or OK to feel angry.

• Being treated unfairly is the only reason people feel angry.

Sometimes, anger is used as a mask for other emotions. When you have been ignored, disrespected, or rejected, you might feel sadness, hurt, fear, or confusion. Feeling any of these emotions is normal and OK. But it can feel easier to react with anger than to express hurt feelings. In modern society, appearing hurt can even be socially unacceptable. Being sad is sometimes seen as a sign of weakness, especially in boys and men.

Why is anger sometimes used to hide other emotions, like sadness or hurt?

• Anger is often more socially acceptable than sadness.

• Anger is more embarrassing than sadness or hurt.

• It’s not normal to feel sad or hurt.

• It’s more productive to be angry than to have hurt feelings.

Anger is perfectly normal, and it can even be a good thing. If you are dissatisfied with your current situation, anger can help you work harder to achieve your goals. Anger can also motivate you to correct an unfair situation or get out of a dangerous one. But uncontrolled anger can lead to long-term physical and mental health problems. It can also lead to social alienation or isolation.

Which of these shows how anger can be a good thing?

• Angry that women earned less than men at the restaurant where she worked, Annika demanded equal pay for herself and her colleagues.

• Angry that he failed his recent math test, Zeke studied extra hard that week and got an A- on the next test.

• Angry that her friend was driving drunk, Preethi got out of the car and called a friend to drive them home.

• All of the above

Pay attention to warning signs that you may be getting too angry. These may include physical signs like feeling hot, sweaty, or red in the face. Your heart might race, you might breathe faster and harder, or feel like you want to scream or cry. Some people get headaches or stomachaches when they feel angry. It’s essential to recognize your own warning signs for anger so you can deal with the emotion before it gets out of control. Anger can impair your judgment, causing you to say or do things you might regret later.

Why is it important to recognize your warning signs for anger?

• So you can think of the most clever thing to say

• So you don’t let anyone know that you’re feeling upset

• So you don’t say something impulsive that you don’t mean

• So you can get ready for a fight

It is important to figure out healthy coping strategies for dealing with anger. If you feel angry, take a break before reacting. You can count to 10 in your head and take deep breaths. Exercising helps burn off physical stress and energy from anger. Some people like to channel their anger into something creative, like writing or drawing. You can also vent to a friend or adult you trust.

Once you’ve had a chance to cool down, you can communicate your feelings more clearly. Use “I” statements to explain your anger, like: “I feel ________ when ________ because ________.” These statements focus on yourself and your feelings, instead of automatically accusing or blaming the other person. After the problem is solved, do your best to forgive the person you’re angry with. Holding on to anger and grudges can be harmful to your physical and mental health.

According to the passage, which of these is the best way to address someone who has made you angry?

• Accuse them of doing something terrible on purpose.

• Focus on yourself and your own feelings.

• Blame them for making you feel bad.

• Tell them right away, before taking a moment to cool off.