La colère : définition et concepts

Abstract

Anger is a universal emotion whose daily experience varies in frequency, intensity and duration among individuals. Multiple emotional terms such as “frustrated” or “furious” can characterize it and nuance its experience. It thus encompasses a number of cognitive and behavioral manifestations (directly observable or not), and internal modifications such as physiological activation. It is also associated with facial expressions. As a subjective experience, its expression is therefore multidimensional. It leads, for example, to action tendencies such as shouting or withdrawing from a situation. The latter can extend to aggressive behavior. Several related terms are used to characterize its different facets, such as hostility, irritability and aggressiveness. These aggressive affects are closely related and sometimes overlap, leading to confusion. Rightly so, they are often correlated and mutually supportive. However, they refer either to a state of mood or an attitude, and are distinct from anger as an emotion. Aggression is also to be distinguished from violent acts, which are characterized by the risk of causing significant harm to others. Impulsivity is also mentioned, but is seen more as a personality trait that seems to correlate with the experience of anger. What's more, it's considered by many to be an aversive emotion. Compared to other emotions such as sadness or fear, however, it is more likely to lead to an active approach. It is also triggered in a variety of situations, notably when the individual feels blocked or frustrated in achieving a goal. The question of injustice and the responsibility of others will also be central. In fact, beliefs and evaluations of situations will play a vital role, whether or not they are conscious. The ruminations that provoke and result from it can also play an important role in regulating it. Finally, many social and cultural aspects influence its expression. Anger is a universal human emotion, regardless of culture. However, certain display rules will influence the emotional response of anger to maintain a certain social framework. In other words, anger plays a part in regulating social behavior within groups. What's more, the literature is homogeneous on the effect of gender, but it is acknowledged that there are differences between men and women in the way anger is displayed. The social context and social desirability play a definite role in distinguishing certain reactions according to the gender of the individuals expressing anger. To our knowledge, to date, no French-language journal has presented the concept of anger, despite the fact that it is an emotion that can have harmful consequences on the quality of life of individuals and in the sphere of relationships. Some authors refer to anger as the “unrecognized” emotion that deserves more attention. The aim of this review is therefore to define the emotion of anger and explore related concepts. However, there are certain limitations to this review. Indeed, the literature highlights a strong link between anger and certain psychological disorders. Other elements, such as the consequences of dysfunctional anger or the assessment tools available, should be studied in greater depth.