The 7 Roots Of AngerSample

Anger’s Link to Other Emotions & Factors

Anger has a way of linking itself to many other emotions—with the end result almost always negative. Consider these combinations:

Anger + Hatred = Rage

Anger + Bitterness = Revenge

Anger + Worry = A Divided Mind

Anger + Confusion = Turmoil/Indecision

Anger + Insecurity = Manipulation/Control Tactics

Anger + Stress = Physical, Mental, or Emotional Breakdown/Burnout

Anger + Resentment = Retribution

Anger + Fear = Irrational Response

Anger + Sorrow = Disorientation/Inability to Function

Certainly these aren’t all the combinations possible between anger and other emotions. And these aren’t the only results that occur from the combinations. Anger is unpredictable.

Even so, consider the implications of combining two or more toxic emotions. Just as certain chemicals explode or react when combined, anger is very often a catalyst for intensely negative behavior.

Anger also tends to take on different forms depending on time, space, and situation. Consider these combinations:

Anger + Urgency = Panic

Anger + Confinement = Explosive Behavior

Anger + Constraint = Tantrum

Anger + Grief = Cloudy Thinking

Anger + Too Many Options = Poor Decision Making

Why should we be concerned with other factors associated with anger? Because of its volatility. What makes a person angry usually isn’t consistent over time. Nor does anger in a relationship always stem from the same set of circumstances or follow the same behavioral patterns.

If you’re unable to identify another factor associated with anger, very often you can deal with a situation in a way that diffuses or lessens it. For example, if you realize that your anger is caused by stress, addressing that specific issue either personally or professionally will make a big difference. People who are continually stressed out are wise to learn time-management skills and anger-management techniques. In today’s world, it’s easy to take on too many obligations in too short a time frame and with too high a level of expectation.

Recognize that the root causes and effects of anger aren’t always straightforward. In your attempts to get to the primary cause of an anger problem, you may find yourself dealing with a number of issues. But that’s okay. Address each of them as they come, and don’t stop dealing with them. As you persevere, God will give you the victory!

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