Are anger and aggression the same thing?

Anger is an emotion, and aggression is a behavior. Simply put, the two are different. Anger can lead to aggressive behavior, which may be a reason that the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

Anger is a normal emotional response to certain situations. While anger gets bad press, it can often be positive. Anger can give rise to motivation to make important changes and communicates to us when something is amiss or when there is an injustice. Feeling anger can be helpful in some situations, but it may hurt in others.

When anger is productive and provides motivation to address injustices or make changes that are otherwise positive, aggression is usually not involved. When anger leads to aggression, hurt may result. Becoming angry doesn’t have to lead to aggressive behavior. Aggression may look like slamming doors, hitting, screaming, threats, or bullying. When aggression comes as a result of unmanaged anger, it is destructive rather than productive.

Anger is an emotion like any other; normal, and temporary. Aggression involves an attempt to express anger in a damaging way, that may have lasting consequences like damaged relationships, broken objects, or even criminal charges. An emotion may result as a natural consequence, and aggression is a behavior that can follow it, making aggression a choice of action resulting from the emotion.

Managing anger and behavior that may result from it is important, and requires taking time and giving yourself space. To manage your reactions, try:

• Thinking before you speak by taking some time after an event that causes you anger to gather your thoughts. This allows others to do the same and prevents either party from saying something in the heat of the moment that may cause damage.
• Get regular exercise, and when anger strikes, get some more. Regular exercise helps keep stress levels low, which can help lessen the desire to respond quickly to anger. When anger rises, taking a walk or jog, or doing some other sort of movement to both burn energy and calm the mind can be very helpful.
• Wait until you’re calm to express your anger. You can state your needs or worries clearly and without injury to others when you’re in a calmer space.
• Take a time out when anger strikes, or even support yourself with small breaks of quiet during your regular day when you’re able to in order to keep anger levels lower.
• Learn positive communication skills. Talking with a therapist can help you cultivate helpful communication skills that helps you talk with people about things that are upsetting without anger bubbling over.
• Cultivate some relaxation skills like meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and yoga.

Working with a therapist can be extremely beneficial to learning how to manage anger and the potential for aggressive behavior. Positive and assertive communication skills can be learned and honed in therapy alongside relaxation skills and learning new ways to cope with anger and solve problems.