There are many things that can explain what causes anger in people. Some things are more provocative than others. It is important that you identify these stressors or triggers of anger if you find you have an anger issue.
What Causes Anger
These stressors or triggers of anger can be referred to as “POPS”. This acronym will help you remember the categories of these stressors easier. It will also help you identify them easy so you can nip anger in the bud as early as possible or before it becomes destructive.
Four Triggers of Anger
We can refer to these four causes as “POPS” for anger. Here is an explanation about what “POPS” is:
1.Personality.
Some people are more prone to take offense or feel that they have been wronged or punished. These tendencies make them more susceptible to anger and harbouring negative thoughts that intensify their anger. Persons with a type A Behaviour Pattern, insecurely attached children, and aggression prone individuals are more prone to emotions of anger. Such persons have a perceptual bias that get them angry more frequently. They also tend to misinterpret many social situations negatively.
2. Others.
Some people are easily angry by what others do. Sometimes we get hurt by what others do to us, such as rejection, being rude, racism, prejudice, discourtesy, or giving unsolicited advice. We also feel disappointed when people don't do what is expected of them: whether or not these expectation were realistic or not.
3. Physiology.
A Lack of rest or physical exercise, hunger, noise, extreme temperatures, sensitive nervous system, can all trigger anger. Perhaps the quote “a hungry man is an angry man” have some bearings here.
4. Situation.
Situations can provoke our anger. Some examples are traffic jams, computer glitches, losing something, frustrated goals, interruptions, or an injustice. It is important to note that some people are more exposed to anger daily. For instance, there are professions that are more stressful than others. Also, cultures view the expression of anger differently. Some cultures may consider some physical acts (such as slapping) or name-calling as normal.
Identifying the triggers of your anger can help you come to terms with the things that provoke emotional anger and also escalate your anger. Resolving your anger can also be easy when you identify what causes anger.
Articles in this series:
That disturbing emotion called Anger
Is there such a thing as healthy anger
Do I have anger issues
Simple anger test
Facial displays of anger
Linking diet and antisocial behaviour
Methods and techniques of Anger Management
What is anger management
Quenching anger before it becomes destructive
Coping with the roadblocks of life
What triggers your anger bug
Teaching children anger management skills
When others are mad at you
“Stop anger, be happy”
“A Poison Tree” by William Blake
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