Day by day we can see some manifestations of hatred because this is an emotion that has been present in humanity since we can remember. However, there are many questions surrounding this primary feeling, such as, for example, is it possible to control hatred? Or what are its consequences?
In this sense, the psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud referred to hate as a state of our ego that had the need to end or destroy its source of unhappiness. In this Psychology-Online article, we will explain in detail what is hate in psychologywhy it occurs, how it manifests, with examples of it, and the physiological and psychological consequences of this emotion.
What is hate
On the one hand, the American Psychological Association (APA) dictionary defines hate as a hostile emotionin which feelings of anger and detestation combine. Furthermore, hate sometimes generates the desire to do harm. This emotion has a certain tendency to be permanent, even if it is caused by a temporary situation. Likewise, hate unleashes feelings of antipathy, repulsion and displeasure towards a person, place, object or animal.
Recently, hate for psychology is considered a disposition or attitude, than an uncontrolled emotion, since the sufferer can decide if it will be a permanent feeling or face it to make it temporary. If it lasts, hate will last.
On the other hand, the Penguin Dictionary of Psychology defines hate as an emotion that fulfills an important function. Specifically, it establishes that, just as love contributes to attachment, hate serves to promote detachment, as long as it is managed assertively. In this article you will see consciously.
In any case, hate occurs in almost all types of contexts, such as in external situations or objects or towards oneself. Furthermore, this emotion is not always related to anger or rage, although they are possible manifestations.
Why hate occurs
The causes of hate can be many because it is part of human emotions. In fact, some experts believe that all people have the capacity to hate, since it is a learned attitude when compassion is absent.
Specifically, this feeling of emotional aversion can arise in a person for the following reasons:
- Feel.
- Consider that others have what is due to them.
- feel contempt for something.
- Absence of a loved one.
- Feeling of superiority.
- He learns hate from the environment in which he grows up.
- has suffered humiliationharassment or abuse by other people.
- There is a feeling of helplessness.
- Breakup or death of a loved one.
- representation of something
In some ways, hate for psychology can also be based on fear, justified or unjustified, or on negative consequences of some past situations. In other cases, hate is used to refer to some prejudice or bigotry against something or a particular group. In this sense, the concept “hate crime” is established worldwide to judge actions, such as racism or religious prejudice, among other cases, that harm people, animals, the environment or a nation.
How hate manifests itself
Through hatred, emotions can arise towards certain situations. Below we show you some examples of hate that, unfortunately, continue to occur:
- This feeling can be a precursor of warsespecially when there is political training towards a nation or social group.
- Aversion to certain diverse sexual orientations, since some people do not respect individual personalities and tastes.
- When a teacher suspends a student from a class and the student feels hostility towards the teacher, even if it’s nothing personal against him. This hatred can lead the student to attack the teacher, spread rumors about him or try to physically harm him.
From a neural point of view, the brain experiences some changes in the presence of hate. Furthermore, in the legal area, hate is punishable as a crime, since it is capable of producing regrettable crimes and harm.
Consequences of hate
Many neurological studies have shown that hate activates different areas of the brain. In fact, they are the same ones that are activated when love is experienced. This allows people to plan actions aimed at harming what is hatedThat is, they can predict, evaluate or anticipate their reactions to try to cover up their actions.
Furthermore, hate is a persistent and destructive feeling, since those who suffer from it can desire revenge, destroy or make others suffer because of their negative emotion. To understand it better, in this article you will find information about and why it is not good to take revenge.
Hatred also translates into loss of energy in the body, which will end up damaging your health and altering your inner balance. In these situations, it is necessary to control the legitimization of hatred, which has transcended different generations and can be perpetuated in society.
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.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is hate in psychologywe recommend that you enter our category.
References
- American Psychological Association official website: https://www.apa.org/
- Reber, AS, & Reber, ES (2001). The Penguin dictionary of psychology. London: Penguin Books.
Bibliography
- Freud, S. (1998). Discontent in culture. In Complete Works, (Vol. 21 pp. 57-140). (6th reprint). Buenos Aires: Amorrortu editors. (Original text published in 1930).
- Osorio, J. (2017). Hate as a crime. Electronic Journal of Criminal Science and Criminology (online). 2017, no. 19-27, pp. 1- 52. http://criminet.ugr.es/recpc/19/recpc19-27.pdf