Why Anger Is Good For You

Anger has been blamed for all manner of modern - and historical - ills. If the survival of humankind depends on cooperation, protection and constructive interaction, why have we evolved to experience an emotion which can cause us to kill, maim and - both physically and psychologically - wound each other? We explore why we have evolved to feel anger, the surprising ways in which it can benefit us, and how to use it in the right way...

Why have we evolved to feel anger?

Scientists view anger as a psychological alarm bell. Experiencing a negative emotion, whether it be sadness, loneliness, guilt or fear, alerts us to the fact that something is wrong, and triggers the psychophysiological processes which prepare us to set it right. Anger is no different.

But psychologists distinguish between passive, aggressive and constructive anger. Bottled up, or channelled in the wrong way or direction, it can pose a threat - to the wellbeing of ourselves as well as those around us - but, channelled constructively, it can help us in a number of ways, some of them unexpected...

Why is anger good for us?

1. It increases our levels of motivation

First and foremost, anger drives us to make changes. It can even motivate us to achieve goals completely unrelated to the source of our anger: simply seeing images of angry faces can make us more keen to obtain attainable objects.

Make the most of that motivational surge by powering through your to-do list - or spending a bit of time compiling the ultimate bucket list...

2. It can buffer the negative impact of stress

Research has found that, far from making you feel worse, anger can actually increase blood flow to areas of the brain associated with the experience of positive feelings. Furthermore, responding to negative events with anger rather than fear has been linked with increased optimism about the future.

Turn your anger in on yourself though, and those negative feelings can fester. So, if you can't do anything to change the situation, find a physical or creative outlet for your energy. "Art, music, dance or simply exercise or sport can help a person work through their anger," says Crisp.

3. It can make you smarter

You might be surprised to learn that anger seems to promote rational thinking. Research participants are better at discriminating strong from weak arguments when angry. Scientists believe that anger can hone our focus, reducing our propensity to become distracted by peripheral details.

"Keeping control of anger can allow us to express our needs or concerns constructively and assertively, facilitating clear communication and effective problem solving," says clinical psychologist Simon Crisp.

4. It encourages others to help you out

The 'angry face' is a universal product of human evolution, say researchers, recognisable across the globe. It's designed to intimidate others by making us appear stronger. In one study on negotiation, participants made larger concessions to, and fewer demands of, an angry person than a happy one.

Remember though, constructive anger is characterised by assertion, not aggression!

5. It can improve your relationship

Anger expressed aggressively may be detrimental when it comes to our relationships, but anger which isn't expressed at all could be equally damaging, say scientists. For bonus points, expressing your feelings in a constructive manner may also enhance self-insight.

Angry with someone? Try using 'I' rather than 'you' statements, e.g. "I feel angry because..." rather than "you make so angry when...".

If anger is having a negative impact on your wellbeing, relationships or career, or you struggle to respond to feelings of anger in a constructive manner, read our guide onhow to control anger.