Anger is not only a learned behavior, as we indicated in an earlier blog. It also involves physiological dimensions. The emotions associated have physiological components. There is much literature that elaborates this. Although focusing on the effect of trauma related to mind, brain and body, Bessel van der Klok provides a very helpful book assist in understanding how emotion is expressed physiologically in the body. (Kolk, The Body Keeps the Score: Mind, Brain and Body in the Transformation of Trauma, Penguin, 2014). It is essentially a “whole body” experience.
The chemical and neurological aspects of anger prepare the body for action. Adrenaline plays a big role along with other chemicals that impact the brain, elevate heart rate, impact breathing, dilates the pupils, and energizes for action. These actions of the autonomic nervous system cause the bodily sensations we experience when we become angry. This prepares us for action, to protect, to run, or to respond with aggression. There are several options for response.
A study of the several words for anger in the Old Testament Scripture are expressive of these bodily responses: to snort or blow through the nostrils (as a charging bull might), a burning sensation in the gut (a precursor to stomach discomfort). Other words identify with wrath, sadness, or annoyance. New Testament words similarly focus on inner turbulence, the flaring of a match, exasperation, a settled inner attitude seeking revenge, or sense of bitterness. Scripture clearly identifies the physiology of anger.
The emotions of anger may lead to aggressive physical or verbal responses that can be very easily overextended into violence. Physical reactions are significantly exaggerated in terms of their destructive potential. Often abusers of other person will inflict great harm in expressing anger. They will frequently say, “I never intended to hurt, maim or injure!” Actions taken in anger are invariably more physically harmful then intended.
The expression of anger manifests out of the emotion, the learned behavior of anger expression, and the physiology of anger. One can readily see the relationship between experiencing anger and its expression as I indicated in the “Anger Equation.” But that does not adequately explain anger. We must look to the sources of anger. The sources are just as individual to each of us as is the experience and the expression. This will be the focus of our next blog.
