Teen Anger

7 Common Types of Teen Anger

Teenage anger can be short lived or last for extended periods of time. When anger lasts for extended periods of time, it creates anger disorders such as:

1. Chronic Anger – Chronic anger is prolonged and impacts the immune system. Chronic anger can cause mental disorders such as depression and anxiety

2. Overwhelmed Anger – Overwhelmed anger is caused by life demands that are too much for an individual to handle. Overwhelmed anger can lead to depression and anxiety.

3. Self-Inflicted Anger – Self-inflicted anger is directed towards one’s self and arises from guilt or low self-worth. Self-inflicted anger can lead to self-harm to relieve overwhelming feelings.

4. Judgmental Anger – Judgmental anger is directed toward others and creates resentment or jealousy. Judgmental anger may cause teens to put down or verbally abuse others.

5. Explosive or Volatile Anger – Explosive or volatile anger, also known as Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED), triggers spontaneous excessive anger, culminating into a violent anger or rage that teens may take out on others.

6. Retaliatory Anger – Retaliatory anger is directed towards individuals or organizations that an individual feels have “wronged them.” This anger may cause an individual to direct destructive revenge tactics towards an individual or organization.

7. Passive or Avoidant Anger – Passive anger is usually not obvious and is difficult to identify. Teens displaying passive or avoidant anger are aloof and abnormally silent.

5 Common Triggers of Anger in Teens

Teenage anger is triggered from external and internal situations such as:

1. Oppression– Being a teenager means more independence and self-identification. This can cause conflicts with authority figures, creating anger in teens.

2. Social Confusion –Teenagers social lives are complicated. Friends come and go, creating complicated situations that create anger.

3. Puberty – Hormones released during puberty create many emotions. Puberty can make teens unpredictable and cause difficulties controlling anger.

4. Stress – Stress comes through social situations, school pressures, and after school activities and often overwhelms teenagers, creating anger.

5. Hunger– Have you heard the phrase “Hangry?” It’s a real thing! Being “hangry” means being angry due to hunger. “Hanger” occurs when blood-glucose levels fall, making it difficult to function normally, and instead, creating anger.