The Truth About Anger and Aggression

Here are myths about anger, as corrected by Carol Tavris:

Myth #1: "Aggression is the instinctive catharsis for anger."

REALITY: Aggression is an acquired cathartic habit, a learned reaction practiced by people who think they can get away with behaving this way.

Myth #2: "Talking out our anger gets rid of it - or at least makes you feel less angry."

REALITY: A series of studies indicates that overt expression can focus or even increase anger. Tavris suggests that before speaking out, evaluate whether one wants to stay or not.

Myth #3: "Tantrums and other childhood rages are healthy expressions of anger that forestall neuroses."

REALITY: Tantrums, which peak at two and three years of age, begin to wane by age four, unless the child learns to control others through such behavior. Says Tavris: "The emotions are as subject to the laws of learning as any other behavior."

These myths are  from Newton Hightower's Anger Busting 101. 

Feel free to visit his website at http://www.angerbusters.com

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