96% Have Felt Angry at Some Point in Their Lives

Anger is a normal emotion everyone experiences at some point in life. Anger can stem from feelings of hurt, frustration, annoyance, or disappointment. Although natural, it becomes a problem when it gets out of control and is expressed in a way that harms oneself or others.

This is where someone might need some anger management strategies. Managing anger is about learning how to take control of your emotions and reactions rather than letting them control you.

It’s important to note that anger isn’t always bad; it can also be a powerful motivator for change and a catalyst for social justice. But it’s important to channel it in a constructive way, not letting it consume us, in order to make a positive impact on society.

Real Research, an online survey app, attempted to gather opinions on this through a survey on anger and anger management.

The report on anger and anger management further highlights the following:

• 48.78% have always felt angry
• 12.94% feel increased and rapid heartbeat whenever they feel angry
• 39.73% manage their anger by expressing their feelings

Only 4.11% Have Never Felt Angry

The report on anger and anger management reveals that almost everyone has felt angry at a certain point in their lives. Most (48.78%) have always felt it, and others (19.71%) have felt it sometimes. 17.02% often did, and 10.38% rarely felt angry.

Behind the Mask of Being Angry

Anger arises due to how we interpret and react to certain situations. Among the common causes, the kind of situations that trigger anger among respondents are instances that show unfairness (17.51%), disrespect (15.76%), irritation (15.75%), frustration (12.23%), physical discomfort (11.11%), and abuse (10.28%).

Anger is a significantly complex emotion that often masks underlying feelings. When you feel angry, it is likely triggered by another emotion. According to the survey on anger and anger management findings, the usual underlying emotions respondents try to cover up by being angry are the following:

Hurt (14.04%), worry (12.99%), betrayal (9.6%), anxiety (9.57%), and embarrassment (7.42%).

Anger can manifest itself in different ways. It can exhibit symptoms from physical, emotional, and mental aspects. Regarding the common physical symptoms, the majority of survey respondents (12.94%) feel an increased and rapid heartbeat whenever they feel angry. Others reported feelings like a pounding head (8.74%), shaking/trembling (7.7%), tense muscles (6.83%), and tightness in the chest (6.75%).

Being Angry and Acting Aggressively

People use a variety of conscious and unconscious processes to deal with angry feelings. The three main approaches how to manage anger are expressing, suppressing, and calming.

39.73% reported expressing their anger, 33.63% reported suppressing and converting/redirecting anger, and 21.79% reported calming and letting anger subside.

Anger is usually exhibited through unhealthy and unhelpful behaviors. The intuitive, natural way to express anger is to respond aggressively toward others, oneself, or even through passive aggression.

Only 5.5% of survey respondents do not express anger in such ways, but most (53.07%) resort to outward aggression. Others (25.72%) express anger through inward aggression, while the rest (15.71%) respond through passive aggression.

Anger Management Issues

Some episodes of anger are manageable, but occasionally, anger prevails. During this time, anger management issues arise when one is unable to regulate or communicate anger.

92.64% reported having difficulties managing their anger, which always happens to 32.36% of survey respondents. It only often happens for others (25.55%) and sometimes for some (24.63%). 15.1% rarely encounter difficulties, and the remaining (7.36) never do.

Strategies Around Anger Management

Managing anger can be challenging, but there are several effective strategies that can help.

Among the techniques listed, the majority (10.73%) find relaxing the most effective strategy to manage anger. Others see the following strategies as helpful:

Acknowledging underlying emotion (9.57%), stepping away from the trigger factors (9.08%), and getting into physical activity/exercise (8.2%).

Furthermore, it can be challenging too when a loved one is having difficulties controlling their anger. Accordingly, survey respondents suggested the following prompt responses in helping someone deal with anger and anger management issues.

Asking for Medical Approach to Anger Management

While it’s possible to improve anger response on your own, a qualified practitioner can help and guide you toward quick, successful anger management. Apparently, 37.85% of respondents have already experienced medical help in anger management.

26.09% would definitely consider seeking one, while 18.19% are thinking about it. However, 4.44% would never consider asking for medical help understanding anger and anger management.