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GETTING ANGER OUT ON CAMPUS Even in ordinary circumstances, the stress of life in our major metropolitan area can push people’s anger buttons. In the aftermath of the terrorists’ attacks, emotional flashpoints have been even higher. On September 21, the Human Resources Office of Training and Development and part of the Workforce 2020 Resource Center sponsored a one hour seminar on "Anger Management" featuring Douglas Boyle, JD, PhD, clinical psychologist and senior research associate at the Violence Institute of New Jersey at UMDNJ. "Uncontrolled hostility and anger pose serious risks to our psychological and physical well being," says Boyle, who has a long-standing clinical and research interest in the relationship between anger, hostility and violence. Angry people risk suffering significant health problems like heart disease, and their hot tempered moods damage relationships with others. According to Boyle, a former corporate lawyer who completed his clinical psychological training at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and here at UMDNJ, "Learning to control hostile attitudes and thoughts can help individuals experience less anger over time." Most of the participants’ questions addressed daily anger arousing experiences. However, a few asked about the recent World Trade Center attack and its aftermath. Boyle believes that for most people, the anger centered on the terrorists’ attacks may not be as dangerous as everyday, long-term, untreated hostility which can wreak havoc on an individual’s health. "One way to address everyday anger is to be more aware of our internal emotions. Irritation or annoyance can set the stage for more intense angry episodes," he says. By learning how to recognize the signs, individuals can stop the escalation to anger. One technique Boyle employs to help patients experience less anger is a brief relaxation exercise which can be used throughout the day and done anywhere, even while stopped at a traffic light. This technique is even more effective after individuals have mastered the steps to longer, progressive muscle relaxation. Boyle is currently preparing a longer workshop to be offered through the Violence Institute to help people understand and manage their anger. "Most participants seemed to know somebody who is in a constant state of anger," he says. And what the world needs now are healthy avenues for averting destructive behavior.
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