[RavenGirl1990]

Hi,

Is anger considered a primary emotion? I have often heard about under anger lies other feelings like sadness, hurt, anxiety, etc. I don’t handle anger very well and feel like I can’t control it at times.

[Skeezyks]

I don't know if anger could be considered a primary emotion or not. I'm not particularly well versed in the field of psychology. My understanding has been it is a sign, or symptom perhaps, of anxiety. But I certainly am thoroughly familiar with the feeling of anger. And I have not handled it very well either for the majority of my life. So I have some sense of what that's about.

I'm angry a lot of the time. But I don't tend to lose control like a used to. Part of that is old age. But, also, a while back I could see where my angry outbursts were hurting my spouse. And since I didn't seem to be able to control them myself, I went back to my former psychiatrist (I had been off all psych med's for several years) & got a prescription for Clonazepam which I now take. I'm on a pretty low dose. But it seems to help.

[Bill3]

I have often heard about under anger lies other feelings like sadness, hurt, anxiety, etc.

This is correct. Anger often is a defense mechanism. For example, suppose someone humiliates me publicly. My anger can protect me from feeling the full brunt of the humiliation.

[MsLady]

I don't think so. I believe anger stems from other feelings first.. like anxiety, shame, frustration, and surprise.

[quietlylost]

In therapy, anger is often identified as a "secondary" emotion. Usually there's a feeling that comes before such as hurt, betrayal, shame, abandonment, etc. Anger is itself a valid emotion and a valid response, though, and it's worth of treatment and discussion.

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by Bill3

This is correct. Anger often is a defense mechanism. For example, suppose someone humiliates me publicly. My anger can protect me from feeling the full brunt of the humiliation.

Good post