Anger, which is one of our emotions that is effective in our decisions, is one of the six basic emotions. The anger felt by individuals in adolescence is a natural process that emerges against the physiological and psychological effects of their identities that are beginning to form. Anger is a common emotion during this period. Adolescents' anger can sometimes be against themselves, sometimes against their families, sometimes against their friends, and sometimes against the society in general. While these tantrums are often short-lived, they can be more frequent and intense for some adolescents. However, it will be important to consult a specialist when anger control leads to various situations such as the urge to harm, sleep or eating problems.
Causes of Anger in Adolescence
There are several underlying reasons for adolescent anger. First, bodily and hormonal changes can cause adolescents to have a lower level of self-control. Deepening of the voice and facial hair in boys, breast and hip enlargement in girls, and pubic hair growth in both sexes cause confusion in moods with the faster functioning of hormones. In addition, the search for identity, social pressure, academic pressure and other stress factors can also trigger anger (Adana & Arslantaş, 2011). Poor academic achievement was associated with high anger level (Saçar, 2007; cited in Albayrak & Kutlu, 2009). Adolescents may experience intense anger because they do not know or cannot use effective methods to cope with anxiety-provoking situations in the school environment (Özyürek & Özkan, 2015). In the painful process of searching for identity, social acceptance and peer relationships may cause problems in communication skills, which may cause anger.
Adolescence can be a challenging period for both adolescents and their families. Adolescent anger may also be linked to family factors. When there is not enough open and healthy communication between family members, adolescents' anger may increase. In addition, conflicts and stressors within the family can also trigger anger. Parenting style is also thought to be an important risk factor for the development of anger and behavioral disorders. in parent discipline Factors such as inconsistencies, inability to control adolescents and to determine the rules governing adolescent behavior exacerbate behavioral problems in children and adolescents (Öz, 2008). In a home where parents impose strict and punitive discipline, children do not learn to distinguish between right and wrong. Instead, they develop negative feelings towards their threatening and punishing parents (Wenar, 1990). While trying to form an independent identity away from their parents, adolescents need the closeness and support of their parents. On the other hand, the independent behaviors of adolescents and their efforts to distance themselves from themselves may cause parents to be afraid of losing the authority and balance in the family, and unconsciously prevent the independence and individualization behaviors of young people (Öz, 2008). Therefore, conflicts between parents and teenagers are very common during this period. One study focuses on the importance of healthy and functioning families in helping adolescents acquire healthy personalities and successfully fulfill their developmental tasks (Savi, 2008). It has been observed that these families use direct and open forms of communication that allow them to solve problems, establish emotional bonds with each other and fulfill their roles in the home effectively (Bulut , 1990).
The expression of anger in adolescence is very important. If anger is not expressed appropriately, it can cause psychological, physical and social problems in adolescents (Starner and Peters 2004; cited in Albayrak and Kutlu, 2009). While it may be due to internal causes such as anger, jealousy, anxiety, and not being understood, it may also be due to external causes such as being wronged, disappointment, physical hurt and threat (Adana & Arslantaş, 2011). Adolescents' anger management is extremely important for their emotional well-being. Finding healthy ways to express anger can help them cope with emotional challenges and resolve problems.
What Can Parents Do for Their Teenage Children
Expressing anger and violence are learned behaviors. When someone is angry about something, they express their anger in the ways taught to them (Adana & Arslantaş, 2011). Adolescents with their peers They develop skills to cope with the problems they encounter in their relationships and daily life, and they perform these skills by taking role models from their families. Therefore, families have a great responsibility in the anger management of adolescents. In this period, it is important that the attitudes of the parents are balanced, the family communication is clear and suitable for showing emotional reaction, and the roles in the family are clear and functional. It can also be helpful to provide a calm environment, teach adolescents how to express anger, and help resolve conflicts in a healthy way. Families can also try to reduce the stress factors experienced by adolescents. For example, families can help adolescents cope with academic, social, or other stressful factors. It is also important to provide the support adolescents need, to listen to and understand them.
Families can take these steps to help adolescents deal with anger:
Listen: Express adolescents' feelings Being ready to listen to and listen to them can help them deal with anger.
Setting boundaries: Families can work together to decide how to respond to adolescents' behavior and set boundaries. This can help adolescents control their anger.
Finding alternative solutions: Families can help adolescents find alternative solutions. For example, relaxing activities such as exercising or doing yoga can help reduce anger.
Support: Being sensitive to and supportive of adolescents' emotional needs can help them deal with anger.
To set an example: Families can set an example for adolescents by showing how they deal with anger themselves.
Receiving professional help: Families can help adolescents cope with anger. they can get help from a professional to help them get out. Psychologists or counselors can help adolescents understand their emotional needs and cope with anger.
Erg What Can Adolescents Do to Control Their Anger?
Anger can be expressed in many different ways during adolescence. Some adolescents may hold their anger inside, leading to other emotional problems such as depression or anxiety. In a study, it was seen that the probability of depression increased with emotional coping and aggressive behaviors, and the probability of depression decreased with physical activity (Çetinkaya, 2013). When anger is managed correctly, it can be expressed in a healthy way and problems can be resolved by adopting a solution-oriented approach.
Adolescents can try various ways to express anger. Here are some examples:
Exercise: Exercising can help reduce stress hormones in the body and improve emotional state. For this reason, many adolescents try to control their anger by exercising.
Art therapy: Art therapy, especially painting or writing, is an effective way to express emotions. Adolescents can express their feelings by painting or writing.
Regular rest: Regular rest can help reduce stress and anger. Paying attention to their sleep patterns and getting enough rest can help them control anger and stress. This may include activities such as meditating, reading a book, or just being alone in a quiet place.
Speaking: Talking can also be helpful to vent anger. Talking to an adult, such as a parent or counselor, can help adolescents express their feelings and resolve problems.
As a result, anger in adolescence is quite normal. Adolescents' healthy overcoming of this period occupies a very important place in the identity formation they complete. Identifying the factors caused by anger and developing problem-solving strategies related to it will be a very healthy method for both adolescents and their parents.
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