The Metaphysics of Anger

I discuss the 'Metaphysics of Anger,' including the 5 parts: behavior, thoughts, phenomenology, neurobiology, and cultural situatedness. We note the differences between anger and frustration, venting, resentment, and passive-aggressiveness. Importantly, we note how anger (as a feeling) is very different from aggression (impulsive or dysregulated anger). Although anger may be a secondary emotion (covering or concealing vulnerable feelings), it is important in its own right and has its uses, such as the confidence to assert boundaries and preventing you from 'falling back' into feelings of shame and doubt. I advocate building a capacity for 'regulating' anger, as opposed to merely 'managing' it (by distraction, compartmentalization, etc.). We talk about how that might be aided by mental enactments or visualizations, noting that 'what the anger wants,' is not necessarily the same as what you may want. We wrap up with a little discussion about the relationship between anger and shame.
In the next two follow-up videos, we will look at ways in which people can have problems with anger (arguably, 'too much' and perhaps, 'too little').
#angermanagement #anger #psychology #psychotherapy
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Brad Peters, MSc, Psychologist

[@unadu]

This is an extremely comprehensive and helpful deep dive into Anger. Especially found the part about "what does this emotion want" helpful, 33:13. The feeling of Anger wants to be violent, but we don't have to act it out if ts a mental exercise. This allows us to breathe through the energy - acting it out in reality vs fantasizing. I recently saw a Sesame Street episode about "draw it out" that also can be helpful.