Anger is a completely normal human emotion. Sometimes anger can be healthy and productive, but other times it can be destructive. Here are 10 types of anger that you should be aware of.
Assertive
Assertive anger uses feelings of frustration for positive change. You express your anger in ways that create change around you – without causing distress or destruction.
Behavioral
Behavioral anger is expressed physically and is usually aggressive. You may feel so overwhelmed by your emotions that you lash out at the object of your anger.
Chronic
Chronic anger is an ongoing, generalized resentment of people, frustration with certain circumstances, and anger towards oneself.
Judgmental
Judgmental anger is usually a reaction to a perceived injustice or someone else’s shortcoming.
Overwhelmed
Overwhelmed anger is an uncontrolled type of anger that occurs when you feel that a situation or circumstance is beyond our control, resulting in feelings of hopelessness and frustration.
Passive Aggressive
Passive aggressive anger is an avoidant and likely tries to avoid all forms of confrontation. This involves repressing any feelings of frustration or anger you’re experiencing.
Retaliatory
Retaliatory anger is usually an instinctual response to being confronted or attacked by someone else and is one of the most common types of anger. It is motivated by revenge for a perceived wrong.
Self-Abusive
Self-abusive anger is a shame based type of anger. If you have been feeling hopeless, unworthy, humiliated or ashamed, you might internalize those feelings and express anger via negative self-talk, self-harm, substance use, or eating disordered behavior.
Verbal
Verbal anger is a form of anger that deeply hurts the target of one’s anger. Verbal anger may be expressed as furious shouting, threats, ridicule, sarcasm, intense blaming or criticism.
Volatile
Volatile anger makes you feel mad about perceived annoyances, both big and small. Once you have impulsively expressed your anger, you often calm down just as quickly.