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bylines are included and article is published in its entirety. A courtesy copy of your publication would be appreciated. Send it to mailto:drwallin@drwallin.comMYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT ANGER
By Pauline Wallin, Ph.D Author of "Taming Your Inner Brat: A Guide for Transforming Self-defeating Behavior"
Word count: 567
Copyright Pauline Wallin, Ph.D. 2004. All rights reserved
MYTHS AND FACTS ABOUT ANGER
Although anger is one of most common emotions that people have, it is least understood. These phrases are probably familiar to you:
“If someone hits you, hit ‘em back.” “Turn other cheek.” “Don’t get angry; get even.”
Have you noticed how they contradict each other? That’s because anger is a very complex emotion. Attempts to simplify it result in following MISPERCEPTIONS:
1. That all anger is unhealthy or destructive 2. That anger is an all-or-nothing phenomenon 3. If you don’t let your anger out, it builds up and explodes out 4. That angry people yell and scream a lot 5. That anger management means keeping your mouth shut
===> Here are facts:
1. NOT ALL ANGER IS UNHEALTHY OR DESTRUCTIVE.
Sometimes anger is definitely justified. For example, if you have been betrayed by a friend, or if you have been physically attacked by someone, or if there is a major social injustice -- these are all times where anger is appropriate. Biologically speaking, anger gets your adrenalin going, and spurs you into action.
On other hand, hissy fits that people throw over minor irritations are both unhealthy and destructive. Anger has serious implications for your health. Research shows that among all risk factors for heart disease, chronic anger is most significant predictor -- more than smoking, obesity and high blood pressure. Temper tantrums and other fits of anger are rarely useful. In fact, they erode not only people’s respect for you, but also your own self-respect.
