5 surprising facts about anger
It’s a common and constant companion in our lives, but anger is a largely misunderstood emotion. Here are five facts that might just surprise you about anger.
1. People associate anger with the colour red
A 2013 study published in the journal Emotion found that people really do associate anger with the colour red. In the study, participants were more likely to see anger in faces if there was a red background, but not other negative emotions like fear. So it seems “seeing red” isn’t just an expression.
2. Uncontrolled anger is linked to heart attacks and strokes
Outbursts of anger could trigger heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular problems in the two hours immediately afterwards, according to a 2014 study published in the journal of European Heart Journal. In one of the first studies to systematically evaluate the link between extreme emotions and cardiovascular risk, the researchers found that people who are prone frequent episodes of anger coupled with other risk factors are much more likely to have a heart attack or stroke.
3. Anger can help us be more productive and creative
A 2010 study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that anger can help people become more motivated to work harder and in more creative ways. In the study, people would respond to another person’s anger by becoming angry themselves, and using that anger to improve their performance.
4. Feelings of entitlement explain anger
Entitled people are more likely to be angry, finds a study in Psychology of Religious and Spirituality. The researchers found that people who feel they deserve more than others lead them to feel they have been wronged when they don’t get what they want.
5. Anger isn’t inherently bad
This is one of the biggest (and most common) misconceptions about anger. Anger isn’t inherently bad for you – in fact, it is a valuable and natural emotion that can help people figure out and confront injustices and unfairness.
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