Question

Reactive Anger”

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

1. Anger and Aggression

Anger is a strong feeling of hostility, displeasure towards someone or something , usually combined with an urge to harm. Aggression is the hostile or destructive behaviour or actions. Anger is an emotional feeling , where as aggression is the behaviour pattern, usually arising from an emotion of anger.

In Kendal's situation, anger and Aggression are evident as:

* argument and start fighting with class mates ( child hood)

* Inability to curb the angry response

* Inability to control temper

* Controlling and impulsive on friends

* furious reactions and throwing out the  objects towards co worker.

2. Anger as a conditined response:

Kendel's behaviour is a conditioned response . According to classical conditioning a conditioned response occurs when we use repeated association of two things or A and B , continously. So that when A occurs, B also occurs as a automatically. .

During the time of angry the person may experience a decreas in self value , confidence , and also a drop in energy . This ' A' feeling causes a set of Behaviours  ' B' , lime blaming others to get adrenaline . After a continous association of A and B , whenever A ( angry feeling) occurs automatically B or the response occurs.

3. Methods for Anger management:

* Count down : When getting angry and ready to react , count down the numbers from 10 to 1. It can really help the Individual to calm down

* Take a short break in between the busy schedules.

* Do forgive others and don't hold the grudge , it may increase the anger

* Deep breathing exercises and other relaxation skills can reduce the anger outbursts

* Take a brisk walk or run or enjoy  any physical activity to reduce the anger

* Repeat some or certain sentences or mantras like " All is well " or " everything is for good" , can help to manage the anger.

* Distract from anger using music or a favourite tune.