Managing Stress 8E Principles and Strategies for Health and Well-Being Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. Unless otherwise noted, all images were supplied by Brian Luke Seaward. Credit: © Inspiration Unlimited. Used with permission.
Chapter 6 The Stress Emotions Courtesy of Sabrina Neu
“However long the night, the dawn will break.” —African Proverb Photo © Lerato Maduna/Reuters/Landov
The Anatomy of Anger
Rage Hostility Impatience Envy Fear Jealousy Prejudice Guilt Indignation Frustration
The expression of anger has become a real problem nationwide
The expression of anger has become a real problem nationwide All anger is the result of unmet expectations
The expression of anger has become a real problem nationwide All anger is the result of unmet expectations Road rage, sports rage, air rage, phone rage, gas pump rage, have become too common nationwide
The expression of anger has become a real problem nationwide All anger is the result of unmet expectations Road rage, sports rage, air rage, phone rage, gas pump rage, have become too common nationwide Unresolved anger issues have a direct connection to many chronic health conditions
Emotional Literacy
© Randy Glasbergen, used with permission from
Gender Differences
Physiological Responses
The Myth of Catharsis
A Healthy Catharsis 1. The expression of anger must be cast in the direction of the provocation
A Healthy Catharsis 2. The expression of anger must restore a sense of self-control
A Healthy Catharsis 3. The expression of anger must change the behavior of the provoker or provide insight to create personal resolution
A Healthy Catharsis 4. Anger must be expressed in understandable language
A Healthy Catharsis 5. The expression of anger must not provoke retaliation
Mismanaged Anger Styles
Mismanaged Anger Styles 1. The Somatizer
Mismanaged Anger Styles 1. The Somatizer 2. The Self-Punisher
Mismanaged Anger Styles 1. The Somatizer 2. The Self-Punisher 3. The Exploder
Mismanaged Anger Styles 1. The Somatizer 2. The Self-Punisher 3. The Exploder 4. The Underhander
The Somatizer
The Self-Punisher
The Exploder © juliengrondin/ShutterStock, Inc.
The Underhander
All unresolved anger issues become control issues. The control is an illusion, because by staying angry, you give your power away.
© Bradford Veley, Marquette, MI
Creative Anger Strategies
1. Know your anger style
2. Learn to monitor your anger
1. Know your anger style 2. Learn to monitor your anger 3. Learn to de-escalate your anger
1. Know your anger style 2. Learn to monitor your anger 3. Learn to de-escalate your anger 4. Learn to out-think your anger
1. Know your anger style 2. Learn to monitor your anger 3. Learn to de-escalate your anger 4. Learn to out-think your anger 5. Get comfortable with ALL of your feelings
1. Know your anger style 2. Learn to monitor your anger 3. Learn to de-escalate your anger 4. Learn to out-think your anger 5. Get comfortable with ALL of your feelings 6. Plan ahead
1. Know your anger style 2. Learn to monitor your anger 3. Learn to de-escalate your anger 4. Learn to out-think your anger 5. Get comfortable with ALL of your feelings 6. Plan ahead 7. Develop a strong support system
1. Know your anger style 2. Learn to monitor your anger 3. Learn to de-escalate your anger 4. Learn to out-think your anger 5. Get comfortable with ALL of your feelings 6. Plan ahead 7. Develop a strong support system 8. Develop realistic expectations...
1. Know your anger style 2. Learn to monitor your anger 3. Learn to de-escalate your anger 4. Learn to out-think your anger 5. Get comfortable with ALL of your feelings 6. Plan ahead 7. Develop a strong support system 8. Develop realistic expectations Learn problem-solving techniques
1. Know your anger style 2. Learn to monitor your anger 3. Learn to de-escalate your anger 4. Learn to out-think your anger 5. Get comfortable with ALL of your feelings 6. Plan ahead 7. Develop a strong support system 8. Develop realistic expectations Learn problem-solving techniques 10. Stay in shape
1. Know your anger style 2. Learn to monitor your anger 3. Learn to de-escalate your anger 4. Learn to out-think your anger 5. Get comfortable with ALL of your feelings 6. Plan ahead 7. Develop a strong support system 8. Develop realistic expectations Learn problem-solving techniques 10. Stay in shape 11. Turn complaints into requests
1. Know your anger style 2. Learn to monitor your anger 3. Learn to de-escalate your anger 4. Learn to out-think your anger 5. Get comfortable with ALL of your feelings 6. Plan ahead 7. Develop a strong support system 8. Develop realistic expectations Learn problem-solving techniques 10. Stay in shape 11. Turn complaints into requests 12. Practice the art of forgiveness
The Anatomy of Fear
Fear is the flight in “fight-or-flight”
The Anatomy of Fear Fear is the flight in “fight-or-flight” Rational vs. Irrational Fears
The Anatomy of Fear Fear is the flight in “fight-or-flight” Rational vs. Irrational Fears Warranted vs. Unwarranted Fears
The Anatomy of Fear Anxiety Worry Doubt Paranoia Embarrassment
Basic Human Fears
1. Fear of Failure
Basic Human Fears 1. Fear of Failure 2. Fear of Rejection
Basic Human Fears 1. Fear of Failure 2. Fear of Rejection 3. Fear of the Unknown
Basic Human Fears 1. Fear of Failure 2. Fear of Rejection 3. Fear of the Unknown 4. Fear of Death
Basic Human Fears 1. Fear of Failure 2. Fear of Rejection 3. Fear of the Unknown 4. Fear of Death 5. Fear of Isolation
Basic Human Fears 1. Fear of Failure 2. Fear of Rejection 3. Fear of the Unknown 4. Fear of Death 5. Fear of Isolation 6. Fear of Loss of Self-Dominance
Strategies to Overcome Fear
Strategies to Overcome Fear Systematic Desensitization
“Fear is the cheapest room in the house. I would much prefer to see you living under better conditions.” —Hafiz
Depression: A By-product of Anger or Fear?
Symptoms of Depression 1. Persistent sadness 2. A loss of interest or pleasure in activities 3. Lethargic moods with decreased productivity 4. Loss of appetite or overeating habits 5. Difficulty concentrating remembering or making decisions 6. Pervading hopelessness in personal and professional lives 7. Alcohol and/or drug use to cope with problems 8. Thoughts of death or suicide
Positive Psychology Photo Courtesy of Dr. Martin Seligman
Joy, Eustress, and the Art of Happiness
Joy is the antithesis of stress
Is joy the anticipation of an event or simply enjoying/living in the present moment?
Research on Joy and Happiness
Until one’s basic needs are met, happiness is elusive (Graham, 2010)
Research on Joy and Happiness Until one’s basic needs are met, happiness is elusive (Graham, 2010) There is a strong correlation between happiness and trust (Robinson, 2008)
Research on Joy and Happiness Until one’s basic needs are met, happiness is elusive (Graham, 2010) There is a strong correlation between happiness and trust (Robinson, 2008) Serotonin is known as the happiness hormone (Sommers, 1997)
Research on Joy and Happiness Until one’s basic needs are met, happiness is elusive (Graham, 2010) There is a strong correlation between happiness and trust (Robinson, 2008) Serotonin is known as the happiness hormone (Sommers, 1997) Freedom contributes to happiness... to a point, but too much freedom can lead to stress
Research on Joy and Happiness Money doesn’t buy happiness, but poverty promotes stress (Deaton, 2008)
Research on Joy and Happiness Money doesn’t buy happiness, but poverty promotes stress (Deaton, 2008) There is a strong correlation between happiness and the ability to exercise creativity
Research on Joy and Happiness Money doesn’t buy happiness, but poverty promotes stress (Deaton, 2008) There is a strong correlation between happiness and the ability to exercise creativity Fulfilling relationships (quality friendships) are the cornerstone to lifelong happiness
Research on Joy and Happiness Money doesn’t buy happiness, but poverty promotes stress (Deaton, 2008) There is a strong correlation between happiness and the ability to exercise creativity Fulfilling relationships (quality friendships) are the cornerstone to lifelong happiness Geography does not indicate happiness (some of the happiest people live in cold climates)
Happiness is, first and foremost, a perception, an attitude created by the mind
“People are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” —Abraham Lincoln