CONSTRUCTIVE ANGER

Conceptual definition: Constructive anger is anger that can be healing. Constructive anger is often lower in intensity than its counterpart, destructive anger. It is also something that can be explored or examined to help you better understand your situation, other people, and yourself. Further, for anger to be constructive, a person must also be aware of that anger. Finally, constructive anger is something that is managed appropriately, with respect given to your own needs and the needs of others. Some theorists believe that anger is a maladaptive attempt at coping with a stressful environment, resulting in greater conflict and personal discomfort (Cox, Stabb, & Bruckner, 1999; Novaco, 1975). However, recent conceptualizations have focused on anger as an adaptive mechanism for dealing with obstructed goals and perceived threats (Cox et al.,1999; Stein & Levine, 1989), with healthy anger being differentiated from unhealthy anger in terms of how successfully the emotion serves the basic needs of the person (Grieger, 1986). As an example of constructive anger, let's say that a friend cancels an important lunch date with you at the last minute. By approaching your anger and listening to what it is telling you, you might be motivated to talk to your friend about how you were upset by the last-minute cancellation and come up with ways to make sure that it doesn't happen again. The anger in this situation is being used to take control over the situation and maintain your self-respect. References: Eva L. Feindler and Karen E. Starr, From Steaming Mad to Staying Cool: A Constructive Approach to Anger Control Wayne Froggatt, The Rational Management of Anger.A cognitive-behavioural approach to helping people manage hostility and rage, 25-Oct-2006 Coping with Anger, Ed Beckham, Ph.D. and Cecilia Beckham, L.C.S.W., B.C.D. Cool down: Anger and how to deal with it. Published by the Mental Health Foundation, February 2008 Purpose: Anger results from a combination of factors: biological, situational and psychological. Change in any of these areas can be used to reduce problematical anger, but the most useful focus of change seems to be the psychological area in particular, modification of the thinking that creates specific episodes of anger. Target audience: Graduation students

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