The Motivational Effects of Anger
The impact of motivational anger can manifest in both positive and negative ways. On the positive side, anger can evoke a sense of strength and control, which may inspire individuals to confront challenges and rectify damage in their personal relationships or within their communities. Conversely, the negative aspects of anger may generate a deceptive feeling of entitlement or superiority, often used to justify unethical behavior or to intimidate others into compliance, disregarding their wishes.
Immediate Effects of Anger
Anger, along with emotions such as fear, excitement, and anxiety, triggers a physiological response in the body, preparing it to either confront a situation or flee from it. This response leads to increased production of stress hormones, including adrenaline and cortisol, released from the adrenal glands. Additionally, the brain redirects blood flow towards the muscles instead of the digestive system to prepare for physical exertion. As a result, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and sweating all increase significantly.
Anger’s Impact on Heart Health
The likelihood of experiencing a heart attack doubles within two hours following an anger outburst, according to Dr. Chris Aiken, a clinical psychiatry professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and director of the Mood Treatment Center in North Carolina. Dr. Aiken further explains that suppressed anger, especially when expressed indirectly or prolonged without resolution, is closely associated with heart disease. A study indicated that individuals characterized by high levels of anger are at twice the risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to their calmer counterparts.
Effects of Anger on the Immune System
Anger can significantly weaken the body’s immune system. Individuals who frequently experience anger often report feeling unwell. Research conducted by scientists at Harvard University reveals that healthy individuals recalling a past incident of anger exhibit a reduction in Immunoglobulin A levels, the primary defense against infections, for up to six hours following the recollection. To protect the immune system, it is essential to adopt strategies to manage anger effectively, such as calming techniques, problem-solving methods, and incorporating humor, as emphasized by Dr. Mary Fristad, a professor of psychiatry and psychology at Ohio State University.
Other Health Issues Associated with Anger
There are numerous short-term and long-term health problems linked to anger, including:
- Headaches.
- Digestive issues, such as abdominal pain.
- Insomnia.
- Increased anxiety.
- Depression.
- Dermatological problems, such as eczema.
- Stroke.
- Heart attack.