Management of Anger, Aggression, and Violence

Anger

A stong, uncomfortable emotional response to a provocation that is unwanted and incongruent with one’s values, beliefs, or rights

Maladaptive Anger

Anger that is too frequent, too intense, and managed in unhealthy ways. Linked to depression and a plethora of medical conditions

Anger Management

Effective anger management is very important to maintain emotional wellness and holistic health. 

Physiologic Sensations of Anger

Involving the cerebral cortex, sympathetic nervous system, adrenal medulla, adrenal cortex, cardiovascular system, and immune system

Biologic Viewpoint of Anger

Partially originating from developmental deficits, anoxia, malnutrition, toxins, tumors neurodegenerative disease, or trauma affecting the brain

What can suppression of anger result in?

Greater, more prolonged physiological arousal. There needs to a safe way to release anger to prevent suppression

Anger in Western Culture

Generally promote more aggressive behavior in males and more conciliatory behavior in females

Anger in Eastern Culture

Disapproval of anger in both genders

What are the goals of anger management?

Effectively modulate the physiological arousal of anger, alter any irrational thoughts fueling the anger, and modify adaptive anger behavior that is preventing problem solving

Aggression

Overt behavior intended to hurt, belittle, take revenge, or achieve domination and control

Verbal Aggression

Sarcasm, insults, and threats

Physical Aggression

Property damage, slapping, and hitting

Impulsive Aggression

Occurs in situations of anger and anxiety when the individual lashes out

Instrumental Aggression

Goal directed; premeditated, unrelated to immediate feelings of frustration or threat; is means to secure goal or reward

Violence

Extreme aggression that involves the use of strong force or weapons to inflict bodily harm to another, possibly to kill

What is the most important predictor of potential for violence?

Previous episodes of violence

Impaired Communication

Impaired communication (including hearing and visual loss) have been found to be consistently associated with aggressive behavior in nursing home residents with dementia

STAMP

Staring and eye contact

Tone and volume of voice

Anxiety

Mumbling

Pacing