The Differences Between Constructive And Destructive Anger

Can anger be beneficial?

Well, yes anger can be beneficial too… only when it is understood and handled properly!

Anger is pure emotion. However, there is a fine line between destructive and constructive anger. In simple words, constructive anger can be used to build up while destructive anger tears you down! When we explore our anger, identify the root cause, and express our emotions in the right manner, we can really seek benefits from our anger.

The theory might be looking simple right now, but it’s quite challenging to adapt this in real life because anger is a burst of emotions, and sometimes, we end up being in a difficult situation.

If you can relate to this situation, begin the process by understanding the difference between constructive and destructive anger and learn the alternatives to destructive anger and tips to use anger constructively.

Constructive Versus Destructive Anger

Constructive Anger

Constructive anger is a therapeutic type of anger that can help you understand the situation, your emotions, and your reactions. This type of anger can be used for increasing productivity and it can be managed if understood properly. Constructive anger increases your consciousness and helps to acknowledge your and others’ needs. It can also help you enhance self-respect.

Destructive Anger

Destructive anger is one of the unhealthy types of anger which can cause harm to everyone involved. It can induce substance abuse or self-harm if not managed properly. Basically, it tears you down and can impact your short-term and long-term goals negatively. Destructive anger is expressed in an unhealthy manner which can be progressing as the feelings keep on getting intense. For example, if you get into a fight with your partner, you may start feeling lonely and lack of social support can increase the anger which can be difficult to cope with over time.

Difference Between Constructive and Destructive Anger

Native Area The rainforests of Central and South America

Constructive Anger	Destructive Anger
Constructive can be healing and productive	Destructive anger cause harm to everyone involved
Constructive anger increases consciousness and self-awareness	Destructive anger can be disrupting, frequent, harming, and intense
Constructive anger can be managed and help you understand the situations and needs	Destructive anger is un-controlling in nature and it keeps on progressing if not managed
Constructive anger can help you reach goals and improve situations positively	Destructive anger is the unhealthiest anger that has negative consequences
Constructive anger increases self-respect, understandability, and empathy toward everyone	Destructive anger tears us down and it can impact short-term and long-term goals negatively

When Constructive Anger Goes Destructive

Psychologically, all types of anger are constructive at the first stage. Since anger is a natural and strong emotion that can be either positive or negative, it can turn into negative situations if not handled or managed on time. Anger is such an intense emotion that activates your response quickly and makes the situation even worse.

In the beginning, we try to control the situations positively but when it keeps on progressing it can become destructive. Herein, self-awareness plays a major role, scroll down to learn how to overcome destructive anger or healthy alternatives to destructive anger.

Examples of Anger Situations

For example, let’s say you have just started dating someone and you both had a heated argument, you might understand their feelings or emotions in the beginning, but when the anger keeps on progressing, you might decide to have a conversation about it. Suppose, if the confrontation didn’t go well, and now you’re upset, you start shouting and start expressing your feelings toward them. Herein, constructive anger turns to destructive anger.

Taking The Right Step: Using The Anger Constructively

1.Acknowledge your emotions

Acknowledging your emotions can help you regulate your strong emotions like anger. Whenever you get angry, try to introspect the anger so that you can understand the triggers, and root cause, and work on your emotions with self-awareness.

2.Turn down the situation

Turning down the situation is one of the most effective ways to convert your anger into a constructive manner. Whenever you find yourself in a negative situation walk away or turn down the situation to avoid an anger outburst. In such situations, take a break, understand the cause, then discuss.

3.Try anger management classes

Anger management classes allow you to explore your emotions and turn them into strengths to excel in professional and personal areas. Additionally, they help you address the underlying mental health issues.

4.Try emotional regulation strategies

You can also try emotional regulation strategies like progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, and other strategies to overcome destructive anger and adopt healthy alternatives.

5.Seek support

Seek out professional support if you are not able to manage your emotions or learn more about your anger issues. To connect with a mental health professional , click below:

I hope this blog helps you understand the differences between constructive and destructive anger. Comment down and share your views on the same. For more such content, connect with us on all social media platforms.

Thanks for reading!