Common Misconceptions About Anger

Anger and anger management is a popular topic on the Internet. Self proclaimed experts offer “tips for managing anger” without training, experience or information about the sufferer. In fact, The American Psychological Association offers a National Directory of self certified anger management experts who offer counseling or psychotherapy for anger.

Here is a short list of common myths about anger:

• ·      Anger is a mental illness that can be successfully treated with counseling, psychotherapy or medication.
• ·      Venting angry feelings offers relief for pent up anger.
• ·      Counting to 10 or 100 or deep breathing is an effective antidote for managing anger.
• ·      Anger is simply a moral or spiritual issue and can be addressed by prayer.
• ·      Psychologists and Psychiatrists are trained experts in anger management intervention.
• ·      Process groups in which angry feelings are shared are the best way of teaching skills in anger management.
• ·      Anger management and domestic violence intervention are the same.
• ·      Reading “tips for anger management” are useful.
• ·      Assessments and client workbooks are not necessary to teach anger management classes.

 In contrast to the above myths, The American Psychiatric Association is responsible for determining what is and what is not a mental or nervous disorder. Its findings are used worldwide and are published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Nervous an Mental Disorders (DSM-5).

This publication does not list anger as an illness. According to the American Psychiatric Association, anger is a normal human emotion that is a problem when it is too intense, occurs too frequently, lasts too long, impacts health, destroys work or school relationships, damages family or intimate relationships.

Skill enhancement in Emotional Intelligence coaching or classes are currently seen as the most promising intervention for anger management/impulse control.

The following are the key competencies that are addressed in Emotional Intelligence Programs: Self-Regard, Self-Actualization, Emotional Self-Awareness, Emotional Expression, Assertiveness, Independence, Interpersonal Relationships, Empathy, Social Responsibility, Problem Solving, Reality Testing, Impulse Control, Flexibility, Stress Tolerance and Optimism. All of these competencies are needed for improving interpersonal relationships and leadership effectiveness.

Pre and Post Emotion Intelligence Assessments are essential in anger management coaching along with client workbooks and ancillary training materials.