Question

Since an early age, Kendall has had what most people called a “short fuse.” Because he would always argue and start fights, it became difficult for him to make friends during his school years. In addition, nothing seemed to curb the angry response Kendall displayed when his parents tried to discipline him. Aside from his inability to control his temper, Kendall was intelligent and athletic. He made good grades and engaged in competitive sports. Social relationships remained an issue as he was controlling and impulsive.

After graduating from college, Kendall works in a pharmaceutical laboratory. Co-workers describe him as “touchy” and “easily ticked off,” but very brilliant and efficient at what he does. On one particular day, Kendall is unable to contain his anger over an incident in which a lab technician makes an error in a chemical formula. Kendall becomes so irate and angry, he throws the flask across the room narrowly missing the young technician’s head. The technician runs out of the lab screaming that “Ken has lost it this time.” Kendall is put on leave from the company and is required to enter treatment for anger management.

1. How are anger and aggression evident in Kendall’s situation?

2. In what ways might Kendall’s behavior be a conditioned response?

3. What methods might be used to help him diffuse some

Answer 1

Answer to Question No.1:

Anger is a natural response to threats - basically an emotion, feeling of aggression to defend ourselves. There are many factors that trigger anger in an individual which includes – injustice, losing patience and or when the efforts are not appreciated etc.

Whereas, aggression is the behavioral action taken with an intention of damage. Aggression can be triggered by frustration, feeling disrespected etc.

Kendall was a child who would lose his temper quickly and did not have control on his anger. Though he was academically good, his social relationships were poor as he was controlling and impulsive. He was very brilliant and efficient at his work. This behavior of Kendall did not change as he grew up which lead to a conflict between him and a co-worker.

When the lab technician made an error in the chemical formula, Kendall lost his patience, gets angry and becomes frustrated upon the goal not being reached and the inefficiency at work. This was the trigger point for his anger and aggression which subsequently turned out be violent.

Hence this is evident of anger and aggression.

Answer to Question No.2:

Anger is a conditioned response. In this case, Kendall has not had a good social relationship with his co-workers. His co-workers called him “touchy” and “easily kicked off” which indicates that Kendall was always angry and frustrated with his colleagues. Since he was angry with his coworkers most of the time, Kendall became conditioned to feel angry towards them automatically.

Due to his conditioned anger, any error, misbehavior, and disrespect towards Kendall or his work would trigger his anger and aggression.

Answer to Question No.3:

In order to diffuse anger and aggression the following strategies can help:

• Figuring out the triggers – irritation, frustration, impatience, annoyance, anger etc.
• Understanding the reasons behind the triggers and controlling the emotions towards it.
• Listening to find his reason for disappointment and feeling upset
• Changing his emotional status by interrupting and refocusing his attention.
• Making use of questions to find the cause his anger.
• Coworkers speaking in a calm and intelligent way with Kendall and not expressing their anger.
• Apologizing.
• Finding solutions – Try to resolve the issue that caused anger.