Final answer:
Anger leads to physiological arousal such as heart rate and blood pressure increase, as well as psychological effects based on contextual interpretation, affecting emotions and health over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
Physiological and Psychological Effects of Anger
When discussing the effects of anger, we look at both physiological arousal and psychological arousal. Physiological arousal refers to the body's physical response to emotions, such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol.
These are all part of the fight-or-flight response initiated by the sympathetic nervous system. This response is critical for survival, yet in modern times, it often activates in response to psychological stresses, rather than physical threats, which can have negative health consequences.
The psychological aspect of arousal involves the cognitive appraisal of a situation to determine the emotional response, as suggested by the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory.
For example, if someone receives an injection that causes arousal without knowing the reason, they're more likely to attribute the arousal to their current context, such as feeling euphoric or angry depending on the behavior of others around them.
The James-Lange theory posits that emotions result from physiological responses, while Schachter and Singer's research indicates that cognitive factors play a critical role in interpreting these responses and determining the emotion experienced.
Anger not only initiates a physiological response but can also lead to psychological and social consequences, including increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and the potential for heightened social tension. Repeated experiences of anger and the associated stresses can lead to long-term negative health impacts.