Buzz
A wise green puppet in a galaxy far, far away once said, “Anger leads to hate, hate to suffering.” But can we truly say that anger is always the villain it’s often painted to be? While anger is undoubtedly destructive at times, every emotion has its purpose. Research is uncovering that anger carries unexpected advantages, ones you might not have thought of. So, next time you’re feeling a little enraged, don’t be afraid to embrace it.
10. Anger Can Be A Helpful Tool In Negotiations (When Genuine)
Negotiation isn't just about staying calm and outwitting your counterpart. It’s also an emotional game. Studies suggest that anger can work in your favor during negotiations. People tend to be more cautious around those who are visibly upset, which can cause your negotiating partner to become more cooperative. In this way, showing frustration might prompt them to give you what you want just to avoid further tension.
However, there are a few important points to consider. For one, this tactic tends to work mostly with Europeans and Americans. In Asian cultures, showing anger during negotiations is considered disrespectful, so losing your temper might actually hurt your chances. Additionally, if you do decide to show anger, it needs to be genuine. If your counterpart suspects you're faking it, they'll likely raise their demands. Research indicates that pretending to be angry damages trust, and if they sense you're trying to manipulate them, they'll become even less cooperative.
9. Anger Can Boost Your Professional Life
People who express their anger tend to report more satisfying careers and overall lives compared to those who keep their emotions bottled up. This aligns with a study showing that anger can lead others to perceive you as more deserving of higher status and a bigger salary... but only if you’re a man. Both men and women agree that angry men should be rewarded, whereas both genders also think angry women are seen as less capable.
This dynamic even applies during job interviews, regardless of the job's rank. If you're a man with an attitude, you're in luck. According to the research, the average salary offered to an angry man was nearly $38,000, while the average angry woman earned only $23,000. However, women do have an advantage if they can articulate the reason for their anger, as it leads to fairer judgments. On the other hand, if men explain their anger, they’re often perceived as weak.
8. People Who Get Angry Live Longer
Italians, known for their passionate nature, and fiery Spaniards outlive their calmer English counterparts by nearly two years. This could be because expressing anger is actually beneficial to health. Research suggests that repressing anger and frustration can lead to serious health risks. When you bottle up your rage, it increases your heart rate, which in turn elevates blood pressure. Prolonged high blood pressure can make you more susceptible to a variety of illnesses, including heart disease and cancer.
However, chronic anger can lead to coronary disease. The ideal approach is moderate anger. Research found that 'men with moderate levels of anger expression had nearly half the risk of nonfatal heart attacks and a significant reduction in the risk of stroke compared to men with low levels of anger expression.' So, a little anger is actually beneficial—it’s good for your heart.
7. Anger Can Help Reduce Crime
Psychologists and parents worldwide have long argued that violent video games increase aggression in kids. It seems logical—if you engage with violent video games, you might become desensitized and more violent. However, recent studies contradict this idea, showing that video games may actually reduce violence. A striking 80% of high school boys play violent video games regularly, yet crime rates have fallen. The number of youth offenders has decreased by over 50% since 1994, especially when it comes to violent crimes.
Meanwhile, sales of violent video games have more than doubled since 1996. In fact, one study revealed that the months with the highest violent game sales also experienced the lowest crime rates. So, are these games simply keeping aggressive individuals occupied, or do they provide a healthy outlet for aggression? While there’s still no clear answer, some studies suggest that violent video games may reduce violence. A federally funded study focused on children with 'clinically elevated attention deficit or depressive symptoms' found that violent video games had a calming effect, reducing aggression and bullying behavior.
Other research shows that violent video games do not decrease altruism. But why do we keep seeing contradictory reports about violent games making people more violent? One study showed that tough games that frustrate players can lead to anger, skewing the test results. Getting frustrated because you lost in a game is different from being upset due to the game's violent content. In fact, studies suggest players can become violent over a game like Tetris if it becomes too challenging.
6. Violent Video Games Boost Creativity
Having trouble figuring things out? You might want to consider getting angry. Research has indicated that anger sparks creativity, allowing individuals to come up with unique ideas faster than in other emotional states. However, this surge in creativity is short-lived. Once the anger subsides, your skin loses its green hue, and you return to normal.
Scientists believe the angry mindset evolved so that our ancient ancestors could rapidly devise creative solutions when their lives were in danger. Anger gives you energy and leads to a more adaptable, unstructured way of thinking. Essentially, it breaks down your usual problem-solving methods and pushes your mind to explore alternative routes. Perhaps being so furious that you can’t think clearly is actually beneficial.
5. Arguing Can Strengthen Your Relationship
The timeless saying 'forgive and forget' may not always be correct, according to research from Florida State University. Sometimes, anger can be the most effective remedy. In the field of mental health, there’s a concept known as 'positive psychology.' The belief is that 'forgiveness, optimism, kindness, and positive thinking' can assist in repairing troubled relationships. However, in some cases, instead of aiding recovery, forgiveness may exacerbate the issue. Researchers discovered that when forgiveness is freely given, some people may take advantage and continue their harmful behavior.
Anger communicates to the person who wronged you that their actions are unacceptable and need to stop. A separate study by the University of Michigan revealed that couples who bottle up their anger are more than twice as likely to face premature death. So, don’t hesitate to argue occasionally—it’s beneficial. But there’s a twist: According to the University of Berkeley, 'While both spouses could cool down during arguments, the husband’s emotional control had little impact on long-term marital satisfaction.' In essence, it’s usually the wives who need to calm things down and suggest solutions.
4. Anger Attracts Women
Science confirms: Jerks do have better luck with women. Two studies indicate that individuals who score high in the 'dark triad'—narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism—are more likely to attract women. Narcissism refers to those with an inflated sense of self-worth. Psychopathy, in this context, describes someone with little empathy and a love for thrill-seeking. A Machiavellian person is manipulative and deceitful by nature.
Researchers argue that while it may seem counterintuitive, certain negative traits like being moody can still have a surprising appeal. One study highlights that women are often drawn to men who exhibit a more somber demeanor. Interestingly, a smiling man is less appealing in these contexts. While scientists don’t fully understand why, it could be linked to higher levels of testosterone. Men with elevated testosterone often display dominant behaviors, which could explain why some women are attracted to them. However, these men are also associated with manipulative tendencies and dishonesty, making it harder for them to maintain long-term relationships despite their success with short-term flings.
3. The Power of Optimism
Imagine you're surrounded by a group of troublemakers, and they're making disparaging remarks about your mother. At first, you might feel anger, but you may eventually find yourself feeling more hopeful, according to Carnegie Mellon University researchers. In stressful situations, a little anger can make you feel more in control, leading to an overall sense of optimism about the future.
Interestingly, responding with anger is considered a healthier reaction than fear, which could leave you feeling down and unhelpful. This conclusion was supported by a study conducted two months after the World Trade Center attack, where those who expressed anger felt more 'certainty and control.' Anger can provide the strength and determination needed to handle stressful challenges, though it’s important not to overuse it, as some psychologists believe the rush from anger can become addictive.
2. Anger Reveals Your True Self
Imagine being accused of something you didn’t do. How would you react? Chances are, you'd get furious. After all, no one is willing to quietly accept a false accusation. Law enforcement knows this all too well. If you're innocent and falsely accused, anger is a natural response. It’s precisely what the authorities rely on. The FBI and police can distinguish between genuine and fake anger during interrogations. When you get genuinely mad, it's often a sign of your innocence—something investigators watch for during questioning.
Research supports this theory—individuals who are wrongfully accused typically exhibit verbal and nonverbal cues that reveal their honesty. Moreover, anger encourages people to express their true thoughts. When we’re angry, we feel more confident, and confident people are more likely to speak the truth. This is why law enforcement will try to provoke anger in you—they want to draw out the truth. So, if you're ever questioned by the police (and you're innocent), expect to be angry. It’s part of the process.
1. Anger Broadens Your Perspective
We all know that one person who loves to stir up debates and get riled up over a topic. Interestingly, they might be the most open-minded person you know. People generally prefer information that aligns with their own views and avoid challenging perspectives. However, when you're angry, you're more likely to actively seek out information that contradicts your beliefs. Studies indicate that anger makes us more inclined to explore 'disconfirming information.'
To put it simply, anger drives you to explore the other side’s arguments. The reason behind this is that angry individuals often enjoy a good debate, and investigating opposing viewpoints gives them that opportunity. This tendency can make you more knowledgeable in the end, as you’re more likely to change your mind compared to those who avoid hearing different opinions. In fact, researchers suggest that introducing conflict into a group can actually help them make better decisions.
