Anger Basics
What does it mean that anger is a secondary emotion?
It usually covers a deeper primary emotion underneath
Name the 5 primary emotions under anger.
Hurt, Fear, Shame, Sadness, Feeling Disrespected.
Boys often grow up hearing “Don’t cry” or “Toughen up.” This teaches them to hide what?
Vulnerable emotions (sadness, fear, hurt).
Anger gives us a sense of ________.
Control
You get angry when someone cancels plans last minute. What might the real emotion be?
hurt
True or false: Anger is usually the first emotion we feel.
False... it shows up after a primary emotion.
Which emotion relates to emotional pain, rejection, or betrayal?
Hurt
True or false: Men naturally feel more anger than everyone else.
.
False...they are just most likely to be taught that anger is acceptable.
Anger feels strong, familiar, and ________.
Protective
You yell when someone criticizes your work. What might be underneath?
Shame or fear of not being good enough.
Anger is often compared to wearing a what?
A mask that hides more vulnerable emotions.
Which primary emotion includes fear of being embarrassed or abandoned?
Fear
What emotion do many men convert their feelings into because it feels safer to show?
anger
True or false: Anger fixes the root emotion underneath.
False ... it doesn’t address the real feeling.
You snap at someone for “disrespecting” you. What could be the underlying emotion?
Hurt, fear, or shame.
What does understanding anger allow us to do? react or respond?
Respond instead of react.
This emotion involves feeling “not enough” or unworthy.
Shame
Why is anger often the only emotion some men feel comfortable expressing?
Because they were taught it’s acceptable and not “weak.”
Name one thing anger gives the body that reinforces it as a response.
Energy, adrenaline, or a sense of strength.
You get angry when your partner pulls away or becomes distant. What primary emotion is that?
Sadness or Fear..... Maybe fear of being abandoned
What is the main purpose of anger as a secondary emotion?
To protect us from emotions that feel unsafe to show.
Feeling disrespected is usually a mix of which other emotions?
Hurt, fear, or shame.
What is the psychological term for using anger because it’s what you learned growing up?
A learned coping mechanism
Why does the brain choose anger when vulnerable emotions feel unsafe?
Because anger feels more manageable and familiar than expressing the deeper emotion underneath.
You blow up quickly during conflict because you don’t want to look weak. What emotion is being avoided?
A sense of insecurity or the fear of not being enough.