Gaëtan Roussel’s song “La Colère” reflects the pervasive nature of anger in society, a sentiment echoed by a 2024 Jean-Jaurès Foundation study revealing that 77% of the French population exhibits verbal aggression. Experts attribute this anger to selfishness and relational dynamics, emphasizing the importance of expressing needs constructively. Therapeutic strategies, such as creating a mental refuge and redirecting negative emotions, can aid in managing anger. A recent study suggests that physically discarding written negative thoughts can effectively neutralize anger.
‘Every day, you have to get used to it. Anger always comes back. Every day, it brushes against us. I believe it comes from within’, sang Gaëtan Roussel in his 2021 hit ‘La Colère’. This sentiment resonates in today’s world, as revealed by a study from the Jean-Jaurès Foundation on verbal violence, published in May 2024. The findings indicate that 77% of the French population exhibits verbal aggression, with 86% believing it is becoming more prevalent. Interestingly, 82% of respondents acknowledge that this anger fails to resolve issues. So, how can we maintain our composure?
Understanding the Roots of Anger
Anger permeates our daily interactions and social environments, manifesting in various ways. From heated arguments while driving or on public transport to confrontations on social media and outbursts at grocery store checkouts, it seems that ‘anger is everywhere, almost becoming a fashionable emotion’, as noted by science journalist Guillaume Jacquemont in the magazine Cerveau & Psycho.
But what triggers these episodes of rage? Psychiatrist Christophe André offers insight on France Inter, stating, ‘One surprising source of anger is selfishness, a preoccupation with oneself (…), most instances of anger are self-centered, often stemming from feelings of obstruction.’ Similarly, Dominique Picard, a social psychology expert, highlights the relational aspect of anger: ‘We often forget that anger, like many emotions, has a social dimension. It’s impossible to be angry in isolation; others are always involved.’
Embracing Emotions and Voicing Needs
To manage anger effectively and prevent losing control, it’s crucial to articulate one’s needs, according to psychiatrist Frédéric Fanget in Cerveau & Psycho. He emphasizes that ‘The goal isn’t to assert your position through resentment but to express your needs while acknowledging those of others.’ This approach encourages self-expression that respects interpersonal dynamics.
Hypnotherapist Julie Dubrac echoes this sentiment. In a discussion with 20 Minutes, she notes that ‘The key is to take time to acknowledge one’s emotions and comprehend their origins.’ Dubrac asserts that ‘In most cases, interpersonal relationships contribute to the challenge.’
For those grappling with significant anger issues, seeking therapeutic support from a psychologist can be beneficial. Dubrac also suggests creating a ‘refuge’—a mental space that evokes calm and tranquility. Visualizing a serene place, whether real or imaginary, allows individuals to immerse themselves in positive sensations, offering relief from escalating emotions in just a few moments.
The Jean-Jaurès Foundation study supports her perspective, revealing that ‘many individuals attempt to manage their emotions, often through music (57%) or perspective-shifting (53%)‘.
Channeling Anger Towards Positive Outlets
A groundbreaking study published in 2024 in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that redirecting negative emotions from oneself to an object can be an effective anger management technique. Researchers from Nagoya University in Japan have drawn inspiration from an ancient Japanese tradition that involves writing negative thoughts on paper and then destroying it.
According to Professor Nobuyuki Kaway, who spearheaded the research, ‘Physically discarding a piece of paper that contains negative thoughts about a triggering event can neutralize anger, unlike simply holding onto the paper.’