Is it possible for anger to be beneficial
Anger, a term for the emotional aspect of aggression, is a natural emotion. But no matter how natural the emotion might be, like fear, disgust, grief etc. anger has heavy negative notions like outrage, violence and brutality associated with it. If uncontrolled, anger can become destructive and problematic but many a times its potentially productive aspect is completely unaccounted.
Emotions themselves do not have negative or positive effects; it is the use that determines their results. Social scientists all over the world believe that a proper expression of anger can lead to a very constructive effect in people's personal, social and political lives. Studies have shown that controlled, angry episodes in intimate relationships actually help in clearing things out. On a social and political level a positive expression of anger has lead to fundamental, cultural changing movements like the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960's or the Women's Suffrage Movement in the early 20th century. (internet 1)
Anger is also wrongly associated with violence a lot of times and is thought to be a precursor to aggression and brutality. However it is important to differentiate between the anger and violence to get rid of the association established between the two. Howard Kassinove, (2002) writes in Anger Management: The Complete Treatment Guidebook for Practice, "Anger seems to be followed by aggression only about 10 percent of the time, and lots of aggression occurs without any anger." (internet 2) Experts note that in fact, everyday episodes of anger as opposed to dramatic ones mostly yield positive results.
An appropriate and timely expression of controlled anger is very important in everyday life with regard to preservation of one's own identity and beliefs. Many a times, situations arise where a strong moral or social stand is required. It is in those circumstances that a correct expression of anger is beneficial in stating your stand and holding on to your own values and point of view. For example in multi-cultural societies often situations arise where a certain group's identity is threatened. At such times the translation of anger into positive emotions like unity, dignity and self preservation can make anger a beneficial emotion in itself. War veterans have also expressed the view that anger during wartime can be positively utilized to increase emotions of passion and loyalty for the land. It is even noted that in some instances a certain amount of anger becomes necessary and helpful. A good example of such a situation could be a scenario of physical self defense when aggression is usually the most appropriate reaction to anger.
Like all other emotions, improper, excessive and undesirable use of anger can lead to harmful results but that, in no way, negates the possibility of this natural emotion being constructive. It is not anger, but just the handling of it, that varies for each individual and yields different results. Anger can be completely beneficial if dealt with in a proper way.
