Anger and Health—An Update

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Most people feel that anger or hostility leads to physical problems, especially if it is suppressed. Early studies indicated that anger/hostility increased the likelihood of a heart attack. Other research studies found that mock-fighting with pillows increased the likelihood of violence in families.

Anger is an emotion which has many sources. It is often an emotion which is secondary to another felt emotion, such as fear or relief. The adolescent who stays out longer than agreed upon may be greeted with anger by parents, who are relieved that the fear of an accident was unfounded. Anger may result from social injustice and can lead to positive action to change the situation.

There is recent research that indicates that chronic anger may be more damaging to women than to men if it is suppressed. However, suppressed anger in men appears to affect their health as well. It appears that suppressed anger is not the major factor, but rather the lack of control over the situations that cause anger which determines the long-term health effects of anger.

Data from a long-term study in Michigan were analyzed to identify responses to authority figures who yelled at the person for something they had not done. Women (more than men) who suppressed their anger had a higher mortality rate over time. Women who suppressed their anger in confrontations with their spouses had twice the mortality risk as other women, even considering negative life-style factors (smoking, high blood pressure). In couples where both suppressed anger, mortality rates went up among women, but not men. Only when men had high blood pressure and suppressed anger did their rate of dying increase.

Another study indicated that women who vented their anger were more pessimistic, lacked social support, sensed limited control over their lives, and had greater health problems. So venting anger can cause problems as well. It appears that neither venting nor suppressing anger benefits women. The source of anger for both is the inability to deal effectively with the situations which bring about the anger.

To minimize the negative responses to anger, both men and women need increased skill in dealing with the anger-producing situations. How the situation is defined can alter its impact. Thus the perception held by the individual can be changed so that the response is other than anger. Empathy, or being in the other person's place, can help as well. Monitoring cynical thoughts and identifying when they occur can lead to minimizing their effects. Learning and practicing assertive techniques can increase individual control of the situation. Having positive people around can help keep a person's perspective more upbeat.

Note: The Institute for Mental Health Initiatives has developed pamphlets and workshop materials on anger for children, teenagers, and adults. For more information about their programs, write to them at 4545 42nd Street NW, Suite 311, Washington, DC 20016 or call 202/364-7111.

Source: Adapted from "How anger affects your health" in University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, Volume 8, Issue 4, January 1992.

Sue Meyers
Family Sociologist

Originally published in February 1992

College of Human Ecology in cooperation with the University of Minnesota Extension Service

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