Human beings can respond in different ways to the situations that arise in our daily lives. Some of the most aggressive emotional responses are usually rage and anger. These emotions have several points in common and can occur, however, they are not the same, since there are clear differences related to their manifestations, durability and nature.
Likewise, anger is a natural emotion that almost all of us develop to set limits on certain abuses or uncomfortable situations, and it can even become an adaptive reaction. However, it is important to know how to manage it correctly so that it does not turn into pathological and harmful rage. In this Psychology-Online article we will talk to you about the differences between anger and rage so that you can identify them and learn to differentiate them.
What is anger
Anger is a indignant reaction to something or someone caused by a situation that triggers anger. This reaction, also known as anger, is an emotion that is generated when we feel that our interests and needs are threatened by external actions.
Likewise, it is a reaction to personal or emotional discomfort. Each individual has his or her own scheme of values that may or may not unleash anger in a specific circumstance, since his or her environment is what shapes personal adaptation mechanisms. In this sense, anger leads to certain actions to confront disenchantment, which can lead to an environment of hostility.
How anger manifests
Anger is a motor response that activates the vascular system, which causes the reaction and physical responses to accelerate. Therefore, in this process there is a release of adrenaline and an increase in blood pressure. However, this manifestation is of variable intensity and usually disappears relatively quickly, depending on each person.
What is rage
Anger is a deep feeling of anger which is characterized by being uncontrollable and can end in violent acts. It is a dangerous reaction where people seek to calm their frustration with vengeful actions against the reason that unleashed their anger.
Likewise, this feeling is permanent and long-lasting, since it usually lodges inside people, which prevents their peace of mind. Anger tends to trigger a state of anxiety, which can lead to panic attacks or various social phobias.
How rage manifests itself
Do you want to know how the emotion of rage manifests itself? The most common symptoms of rabies include stiffness in facial features, accelerated heart rate, muscles tense and even the desire for revenge arises. In addition, the central nervous system is overstimulated and prepares for an outcome in the face of the threatening event.
If you want to know how to control this emotion you can consult.
What are the differences between anger and rage?
Rage and anger are innate responses that have been generated as a result of the amygdala having overridden a rational reaction to threats and activated the alert to act, often without measuring the consequences.
Next, we explain the main differences between anger and rage.
- Duration: anger tends to be more temporary than hate. In fact, anger is a moment of annoyance that usually disappears quickly. While anger can persist, even for years.
- The level of danger: anger does not represent a direct threat to people, since it is an emotion that disappears when the stimulus ends. For its part, rage is extremely dangerous, since it often leads to revenge and causing harm to other people.
- Control: anger requires a little emotional control to get out of that state. However, to manage anger it is necessary to apply more assertive emotional strategies and, sometimes, the person may need professional support to overcome it.
- The trigger: anger can occur due to some external or internal situation. On the contrary, anger is the product of deep inner resentment that is difficult to eradicate.
- The expression: it is usual that anger does not go beyond a simple momentary discomfort. On the other hand, anger springs from within the person and it is very difficult to repress its manifestations, which is why it tends to last over time.
- Ease of hiding it: anger can be easily hidden, since all you have to do is divert your attention from the stimulus to focus on something else. On the other hand, anger is a deeper feeling that generates almost uncontrollable reactions that can end in tragedies.
- Manifestations: anger is usually accompanied by some tension and agitation, which gradually disappears. While rage directly stimulates the central nervous system and the body prepares for the possible threat.
- Nature: anger arises from discomfort and discomfort when we believe that we are under threat or that we may lose something that interests us, therefore, it is an innate response of human beings. Anger is manifested by the accumulation of things that one does not know how to handle correctly and that causes panic and anxiety attacks.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
- American Psychological Association. (2020). Strategies to control your anger. https://www.apa.org/topics/anger/estrategias#:~:text=Said%20in%20pocas%20palabras%2C%20means,very%20exaggerated%20and%20too much%20dram%C3%A1ticas.
- Mayoc Clinic (2022). What is anger. https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/anger-management/art-20048149