Have you ever yelled something out of anger during an argument and immediately wished you could take it back? Have you ever been so frustrated, you do something that is out of your typical character?
Oftentimes, we find ourselves saying things we don’t necessarily mean and acting rather impulsively during the climax of a big argument.
So, the question becomes, how do we identify the issues and work to improve our anger management?
Impulsivity and Violence
Impulsivity and violence are closely related, and addressing impulsivity is crucial when working on anger management. Anger-driven violence does not only relate to a fight at a pub, or within gangs, but other situations as well, including intimate partner violence and road rage.
It is important to address impulsivity when working on anger management because impulsive aggression can lead to negative consequences for both the individual and those around them. People who engage in impulsive aggression may experience legal problems, difficulty maintaining relationships, and difficulty in the workplace.
Types of Aggression
In dealing with aggression, people often come across two different types: Impulsive and Premeditated. According to a study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence, impulsive aggression is characterized by sudden, unplanned, and often irrational acts of violence, while premeditated aggression is planned and goal-oriented (Coccaro et al. 2007). Understanding the difference between the two types of aggression is important for effectively addressing anger management issues.
In short, impulsive aggression is more reactive without thinking, and premeditated is about planning, often referred to as a cold blooded or a thought-through strategy to hurt someone.
Intermittent Explosive Disorder
Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a condition that can cause aggressive episodes that are out of proportion to any psychosocial stressors or provocation. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), IED is defined as “recurrent, problematic outbursts of verbal or physical aggression that are out of proportion to the situation and not premeditated” (American Psychiatric Association 2013).
If you experience this, you are not alone. In fact, people with IED may have difficulty controlling their impulses, leading to sudden and intense outbursts of anger and violence.
Getting Scientific
Impulsivity is a complex trait that is influenced by a combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. Research has shown that impulsivity is associated with alterations in the functioning of certain brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala. A study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology found that individuals with impulsive aggression have decreased gray matter in the prefrontal cortex and increased gray matter in the amygdala (Coccaro et al. 2007). The prefrontal cortex is responsible for decision making, impulse control, and emotional regulation, while the amygdala is involved in the processing of emotional information and the regulation of the stress response.
Impulsivity can also be influenced by environmental factors such as stress, lack of sleep, and substance abuse. According to a study published in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, stress can increase impulsivity by altering the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a key role in the regulation of the stress response (Koolhaas et al. 2011). Substance abuse, particularly alcohol and drugs, can also increase impulsivity by altering the functioning of the brain’s reward system. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that alcohol abuse is associated with increased impulsivity (Verdejo-Garcia et al. 2009).
A study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence found that individuals with impulsive aggression are at an increased risk for legal problems and interpersonal difficulties (Coccaro et al. 2007).
Moving Forward
Addressing impulsivity is crucial when working on anger management. Aggressive episodes caused by Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) are common due to the every-day psychosocial stressors that provoke harsh responses. Beyond that, impulsivity is a complex trait that is influenced by a combination of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. In order to avoid the negative consequences of unresolved anger, one must first identify the deeper issues that are manifesting into impulsive outbursts which usually start with a small triggering event concerning a close friend, colleague, or partner.
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If you want to take charge of your life and manage your impulsivity for good, we can help. Offering a range of online courses, Impulsivity can guide you towards a healthier and happier life. Take our quick impulsivity test now to see if we can help!
References:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). American Psychiatric Association.
Coccaro, E. F., Lee, R., & McCloskey, M. S. (2007). Impulsive aggression: a translational research perspective. Journal of Interpersonal Violence
