Anger is a response to scarcity. This article explains how scarcity primes cognitive function and what empathy can do to tame anger. Empathy is the ability to put yourself in another person's shoes, thereby enabling you to see what the other person is going through. Empathy is an extremely powerful way to curb our natural anger. However, empathy is not without risk. Empathy is a powerful emotion that can be easily exploited.
Anger is a reaction to scarcity
Anger is a reaction to scarcity. According to the Lerner and Keltner 2000 appraisal tendency framework, anger is a basic emotional response, accompanied by specific cognitive and motivational properties. In particular, it regulates behavior toward a goal and can be flexibly adjusted in response to obstacles and internal sources of error. This adaptation to the environment allows us to use anger as a mechanism to overcome obstacles and endure attempts to reach our goals.
Scarcity primes influence cognitive function
Anger and scarcity primes can impact cognitive function, but the specific way they do so is unclear. Previous research has demonstrated that anger impairs task performance by suppressing preferential sustained attention to Black faces, while facilitating the automatic allocation of attention to task-irrelevant face stimuli. Thus, anger may compromise task performance by inhibiting the ability to recognize an object as a weapon. Further, the effect of anger on N1 amplitudes may facilitate automatic allocation of attention.
Anger is an outwardly directed communicative signal
Anger has evolutionary and phylogenetic origins. Its role is a fundamental one in the regulation of behavior toward a goal. It also plays a double role in the establishment of differentiation and conflict in affective bonds. Ultimately, it serves to motivate the organism toward a goal. Although it is not a conscious state, anger has an important role in goal attainment.
Anger can be tamed by empathy
There are many ways to tame anger. The first is to acknowledge the point of view of the person you're angry with. Using an appropriate level of assertiveness is helpful. You can also be direct about your concerns and avoid using a manipulative tone. You can also engage in physical activity to relieve stress and tame your anger. Empathy can be a powerful tool to tame anger and scarcity.
Anger can be interpreted as aggression or proneness to engage in a conflict
Anger can be a serious problem in and of itself. It can lead to conflict, property damage, occupational maladjustment, substance abuse, and a host of other consequences. People who are constantly angry are prone to act aggressively and engage in combative behavior. But anger can also be a way for you to develop coping mechanisms and learn new behaviors.
It can be tamed by respecting the nature of the affective relationship with it
Anger is a complex emotional experience, ranging from mild irritation to rage. It is accompanied by physiological changes, including an increase in blood pressure, energy hormones like adrenaline, and an influx of noradrenaline. By respecting the nature of the affective relationship with anger, you can learn to control it. In turn, this can lead to more balanced, less intense emotions.