Are Anger Issues Genetic? How Your Genes May Affect Your Temper
Virtually everyone will experience anger from time to time, but this emotion can seem more frequent and harder to control for some than others. Chronic anger can also seem to be a trend among some family members, which begs the question: Are anger issues genetic?
While genetics may influence one’s tendency to experience frequent or intense anger, learned behavior from parents or caregivers and other environmental factors may also come into play. This awareness can often be the first step toward better managing anger. Therapy, counseling, and other forms of support are available to help manage difficult emotions.
The role of the genetic factor in anger and aggression
Genetics may affect how we experience and show anger. Research indicates that some people might be naturally more prone to getting angry or may have a harder time calming down because of their genetic makeup.
For example, behavioral genetics research on twins and families suggests that about 50% of aggression in children is due to their genes. As people grow older, genes seem to play a bigger role in aggression, while the influence of their shared environment—like their home life—becomes less important. Studies also suggest that the same genes affecting aggression in childhood may continue to influence it later in life.
One study explored how certain genes might affect aggressive behavior, focusing on the roles of dopamine and serotonin. Researchers reviewed 24 studies published since 2000 and found 18 specific genetic variations linked to aggression. However, the results were not always clear, and many studies didn't fully assess people's psychological states.
Some researchers also found that anger is connected to specific brain regions—mainly the amygdala and the hypothalamus. The amygdala helps process emotions like fear and anger, while the hypothalamus regulates responses like aggression.
Are all anger issues genetic?
Not all anger issues are purely genetic. While around half of angry behavior is thought to be inherited, the environment you live in and other factors also tend to have an impact. By recognizing that both your genes and your surroundings can affect your emotions, you may be able to find better strategies to control them.
The link between mental health and anger issues
Anger is also often closely related to mental health. When someone lives with a mental illness like bipolar disorder, for instance, it can affect their ability to manage emotions. As a result, they may experience angry feelings that seem out of control. The challenge lies in how the brain manages emotion regulation.
For example, a person with bipolar disorder may experience rapid shifts from extreme happiness to intense anger as a result of their condition. These changes can make emotional control difficult. It’s not just about feeling angry; it’s also about how the mind processes these emotions.
Anger can lead to stress and sadness, creating a difficult cycle. Frequent anger may increase stress, which can turn into hopelessness and depression. This cycle can feed on itself: anger makes stress worse, stress deepens depression, and deeper depression makes controlling anger harder. In addition, people may experience guilt after angry outbursts, which can further increase stress and sadness.
Bipolar disorder isn’t the only mental health condition that may manifest as anger. Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) all have this potential as well. It's also worth noting that certain conditions, such as intermittent explosive disorder, involve angry outbursts as a key symptom. Genetics often play a role in whether a person will develop mental illnesses like these, further complicating causation.
Other factors that can affect anger
Many factors can influence someone's anger levels in addition to genetics. Environmental factors, stress, sleep deprivation, physical health problems, and past experiences can all play a part too.
Environmental factors
The environment you grow up in or live in now can greatly influence how you manage anger. If you're often around people who have angry outbursts and behave aggressively, you might start to see angry behavior as something expected. Growing up in a home where conflict and aggression were common can also make you more likely to be chronically angry and act out as an adult.
Stress
High-stress situations can also trigger anger and aggressive behavior. Stress might come from job-related pressures, school demands, or personal problems. It can affect how the brain processes emotions, potentially making someone more likely to have angry outbursts.
Sleep deprivation
A lack of sleep can affect your mood and how well you’re able to manage your emotions. When you’re sleep-deprived, you may be more likely to react with anger and irritability. Sleep is key for keeping your emotions balanced.
Physical health problems
Certain health problems can make it harder to control anger. Conditions like chronic pain, neurological disorders, or hormonal imbalances may all affect how you manage feelings like anger. For example, thyroid problems or chronic pain might make you more irritable.
Past experiences
Past trauma or negative experiences may lead to chronic anger and violent behavior in some cases too. For instance, if you have experienced abuse, you may struggle with anger problems as a result of unprocessed emotional pain. These past experiences may influence how you respond to stress in the future.
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
If you or a loved one is experiencing abuse, contact the Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Support is available 24/7.
Mental health disorders
Again, certain mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder can worsen anger problems. These conditions may make it hard for you to control your emotions, potentially leading to angry outbursts and aggressive behavior.
How anger management techniques can help
Learning how to control your anger can be an important skill. Anger management techniques are tools that may help you manage anger in productive and healthy ways. By practicing these methods, you may be able to reduce the negative effects of anger on your life.
Some effective anger management techniques include:
- Deep breathing: Taking slow, deep breaths may help calm the mind and reduce physical tension.
- Time-outs: Momentarily stepping away from a situation when you start to feel angry may help you cool down and think more clearly.
- Exercise: Physical activity can be a helpful outlet for releasing built-up anger and stress.
- Self-talk: Reminding yourself to stay calm and think logically may help prevent anger from taking over.
- Mindfulness: Doing your best to stay in the present moment may help reduce anger triggered by past events. Practicing mindfulness regularly could equip you with this skill.
- Cognitive restructuring: Changing negative thought patterns into positive ones may help manage anger.
- Humor: Trying to find the humor in a situation may sometimes help defuse anger and lighten the mood.
These practices may help improve your personal relationships, job performance, and mental health by allowing you to respond to difficult situations in a calm and constructive way. Anger management is not just about controlling outbursts; it’s also about improving overall well-being.
Recognizing when to seek help for anger management
Recognizing when to reach out for help with anger problems can also be key for overall health. With the right support, you may be able to identify the root of your anger problems and find healthier ways to manage your emotions. Below are a few resources you may be able to turn to for support.
Mental health professionals
If anger has come to affect your daily life or relationships, it may be time to speak with a mental health professional. They can teach strategies to help you manage your anger effectively. Sessions with a therapist or counselor may help you identify the root causes of your anger through techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of talk therapy. CBT can be used to treat mental health conditions that may be causing or contributing to anger, but it can also be leveraged to help a person who does not have a diagnosable disorder but is looking for emotional support.
Anger management support groups
Support groups can allow you to share your experiences and learn from others who are experiencing similar challenges. These groups usually meet regularly and are often led by a trained facilitator. Support groups offer accountability as well, which may make it easier for you to stay focused on your anger management goals.
Considerations when discussing anger issues
When you discuss anger problems, there are many factors that may affect the conversation. It can be helpful to consider any cultural factors that may play a role, and remember that trust is key in counseling sessions.
Cultural sensitivities in anger management
People from different cultures may manage anger in different ways. For example, in some cultures, openly discussing anger is not accepted, which might make a person feel embarrassed or worried about being judged when expressing their emotions. Finding a therapist who understands your cultural background may help you manage your emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
Trust-building in anger management counseling
Building trust is often a key part of anger management counseling. Feeling safe with your provider and/or the other people in your support group can help you open up. Trust-building activities, like active listening and having your feelings validated, may also strengthen the relationship with your therapist or counselor.
Finding support for anger problems
In general, you can usually choose between in-person and virtual sessions if you’re seeking mental health services or support. Those who can’t commute to and from in-person therapy sessions due to a busy schedule or who feel nervous at the prospect of opening up to someone face to face might prefer to explore online therapy. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can attend sessions from the comfort of home, which can make therapy more convenient and less intimidating.
Is online therapy effective for anger and aggression?
Research suggests that online therapy can be effective for anger management in many cases. For example, in a study involving 234 people struggling with anger, researchers tested three different online therapy treatments. The most effective one combined techniques to help people notice their emotions and rethink negative thoughts. This approach reduced anger by 27% and aggression by 43%.
Takeaway
Anger is a complicated emotion that can be shaped by both our genes and what we learn from our surroundings. Some people might naturally experience anger more easily because of their genetic background, but other things like stress, the environment they live in, and mental health are also important factors. If anger begins to interfere with your daily life or relationships, talking to a professional through therapy or joining a support group may be valuable for gaining better control over your emotions.
Are anger issues inherited or learned?
The majority of behaviors associated with anger issues are learned. While anger issues may be passed down from parents to children, this has more to do with how parents and model their response to anger than with genetic influences.
Is anger issues something you're born with?
There is a small genetic risk for anger issues, but it rarely plays a large role in someone having anger issues. Instead, the way a person is taught to manage their basic emotions has a huge impact on the way they handle anger. If parents and caregivers don’t model how to appropriately respond when angry, children can grow up to be adults who aren’t sure how to manage anger in an effective way.
Can people with anger issues change?
People with anger issues can change if they learn to exercise stronger self-control during times of escalating anger. Implementing strategies such as deep breathing and mindfulness can help prevent anger from growing to an aggressive or hostile point. A major motivation to change is that anger issues often have a negative impact on a person’s life. Uncontrolled anger can damage relationships and contribute to health risks such as high blood pressure and digestive issues.
Where do anger issues stem from?
Anger issues can stem from a variety of places, including a person’s childhood, previous life experiences, current circumstances, and overall well-being.
Can anger issues be cured?
Individuals can learn to effectively manage their anger issues in a healthy and constructive manner. In turn, someone can experience anger at a level relative to the situation at hand, and they can communicate their anger appropriately.
Is there a rage gene?
Studies suggest that the MAOA gene, nicknamed the ‘warrior gene,’ is linked to aggression in human beings. The male population is three times as likely to have the MAOA gene compared to women. Typically, the aggression associated with the gene only occurs when other environmental factors are present, such as abuse or life stressors.
Are anger issues a mental illness?
Excessive anger may be associated with a mental health condition called intermittent explosive disorder. People with this mental illness experience sudden periods of intense anger that is expressed through aggressive, violent behavior and/or verbal outbursts. These extreme responses are not in proportion to the situation at hand and can be hard to control.
What age can anger issues start?
Anger is a natural human emotion that can be seen in infants as young as four months old. Studies suggest that high anger levels in early childhood, typically seen by age eight, are often connected with anger issues later in life.
How do anger issues start?
Anger issues can be triggered by certain events such as financial struggles, family conflict, and stress at work. Some mental health conditions can contribute to anger issues. For example, intermittent explosive disorder occurs when someone has uncontrollable bouts of anger, and anxiety is also associated with high levels of irritability and frustration. Dysfunction in certain brain regions, specifically the amygdala and prefrontal cortex, can play a role in anger issues.
Why do I get angry so easily?
According to the American Psychological Association, people who easily become angry may have a low tolerance for frustration, which causes them to react quickly to life’s inconveniences. Some people have a genetic predisposition to this trait. People who come from chaotic families are also more likely to have a low tolerance for frustration. High levels of stress, poor sleep, an excess of other negative feelings, and additional factors may also contribute to individual differences in anger control.
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