We are often advised to focus on positive things; however, a recent study shows that getting “angry” can actually bring unexpected benefits.
According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (USA), compared to a neutral emotional state, anger can motivate individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals.
A group of students at Texas A&M University participated in a series of seven experiments. The researchers evoked anger by showing the students offensive images related to their school, such as people wearing Aggie shirts while wearing diapers and carrying baby bottles.
Getting angry can bring unexpected benefits.
Heather C. Lench, the lead author of the study and a Professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Texas A&M University, stated: “The experimental results are very promising.”
The research indicated that anger helped students solve more puzzles. When participating in a computer game designed so that players could not win, the group of students became extremely angry, which improved their information processing capabilities and reaction speed.
Other experiments also showed that anger can be beneficial.
Dr. Lench remarked: “For a long time, many perspectives have suggested that optimism is the ‘measure’ of a good life and is something to strive for. However, there is increasing evidence that a life balanced by a combination of many emotions seems to provide a more satisfying and positive experience in the long run.”
Controlling Anger
We are constantly advised to dismiss negative feelings and focus on positive ones. However, experts suggest that relentless positivity and relying on trivial cheerful things—often referred to as “toxic positivity,” can negatively impact us.
“Most forms of positive expression lack nuance, compassion, and curiosity,” therapist Whitney Goodman writes in her book Toxic Positivity.
According to Goodman, toxic positivity often fails to acknowledge the complexity and multifaceted nature of human emotions.
All emotions, including anger, are beneficial. (Image: iStock).
The truth is that all emotions are useful. Ethan Kross, a psychologist and Director of the Emotion and Self-Control Laboratory at the University of Michigan, stated: “We evolved to experience negative emotions.”
He added: “Anger often arises after individuals experience an insult and believe that they can rectify the situation. This emotion can provide energy, meaning it motivates us to seek fairness or change a situation we are dissatisfied with.”
Channeling Anger
First and foremost, we need to recognize that we are feeling angry.
Daniel L. Shapiro, Associate Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, and author of Negotiating The Nonnegotiable, stated: “It may sound obvious, but in reality, it is not.”
Ask yourself: How am I feeling right now? What is the issue?
Dr. Shapiro noted: “We get angry when we feel that there is an obstacle in the way. Anger can also stem from feelings that make us feel ashamed, humiliated, or undervalued.”
He added that, in some cases, anger can erupt when individuals feel a threat to their identity, such as having their beliefs or self-worth attacked.
“Setting Goals” When Angry
When anger flares up, it’s crucial to keep in mind the overall goal; otherwise, the anger can quickly spiral out of control and lead to overreactions.
Dr. Lench mentioned that some studies have shown that if you argue with your spouse, expressing anger and engaging in confrontational discussion can help both parties understand each other better, as long as your goal is to strengthen the relationship.
A heated discussion with constructive goals helps you positively influence the other person. (Image: iStock)
However, if you are only focused on proving your point is correct and winning the argument, then this can lead to you being “harmfully aggressive.”
Dr. Shapiro advises that for the discussion to be constructive, you should put yourself in the other person’s shoes to see how they feel and look at the issue from their perspective. This will enable you to positively influence the other person more effectively.
If your anger is overwhelming, step outside and take a deep breath to calm down.
In the workplace, feelings of anger can also help boost your performance.
David Lebel, Associate Professor at the Katz School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh, provided an example of an employee who feels angry after not receiving a high performance rating or a promotion, which can lead them to plan to improve their work in the following year.
