Myths about anger

Myths About Anger

Myth #1: Anger Is Inherited.

One misconception or myth about anger is that the way we express anger is inherited and cannot

be changed. Sometimes, we may hear someone say, “I inherited my anger from my father; that’s

just the way I am.” This statement implies that the expression of anger is a fixed and unalterable

set of behaviors. Evidence from research studies, however, indicates that people are not born

with set, specific ways of expressing anger. These studies show, rather, that because the

expression of anger is learned behavior, more appropriate ways of expressing anger also can be

learned.

It is well established that much of people’s behavior is learned by observing others, particularly

influential people. These people include parents, family members, and friends. If children

observe parents expressing anger through aggressive acts, such as verbal abuse and violence,

it is very likely that they will learn to express anger in similar ways. Fortunately, this behavior

can be changed by learning new and appropriate ways of anger expression. It is not necessary

to continue to express anger by aggressive and violent means.


Sunil Kumar                              Jayasudha Kamaraj
Clinical Psychologist                 Counseling Psychologist
http://mindzone.in/