Research is yet to find the cause of anger, however, the way anger is experienced and expressed can become a habit. Therefore, knowing the risk factors for anger can help when trying to choose an assertive and respectful expression. Some of the risk factors for anger are:
- Anger-related memories and images, such as those related to the experience of trauma, can trigger and add to the experience of anger.4
- Family and cultural factors whereby families model what is acceptable behaviour and cultures can shape what is seen as a normal and appropriate response to stress.17
- Fixed ways of thinking about the world and setting inflexible standards and expectations can increase the likelihood of anger when situations do not happen as expected.4
- Anger can be a symptom of some mental health disorders, such as oppositional defiant disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and some personality disorders.1 Frequent outbursts of anger might therefore indicate broader mental health problems and should be evaluated.
- A tendency to respond to stress with anger, hostility or aggression may in part be influenced by a person’s genes.18