The enjoyment of anger

[pinkroger]

Hello, everyone

I am curious about any psychological disorders that involve the enjoyment of anger. So far, I have been unable to find anything on the topic, and I suspect this is either a regular occurrence in most people (particularly INTJ's) or it is a subtype of some well known disorder.

[Nausved]

That's a very interesting idea. I think you're right about it being very common—maybe even universal.

When I become truly angry (which is very rare and never longlasting), I find that I do enjoy it very much. It could be because it's such a novel emotion, but I suspect it's because anger motivates me to be more daring; I feel so uninhibited, so full of power and self-control.

Anger stemming from frustration is another matter entirely, however. That just makes me feel helpless and exhausted.

[Aoiluna]

When I become truly angry (which is very rare and never longlasting), I find that I do enjoy it very much. It could be because it's such a novel emotion, but I suspect it's because anger motivates me to be more daring; I feel so uninhibited, so full of power and self-control.

Anger stemming from frustration is another matter entirely, however. That just makes me feel helpless and exhausted.

I feel the same way. I think that the adrenaline that is pumped through your body when youre angry probably has a lot to do with it. After a heated argument I feel like I can do anything, and I usually use that energy towards positive things. (well usually. sometimes I break things on accident)

[Nausved]

I feel the same way. I think that the adrenaline that is pumped through your body when youre angry probably has a lot to do with it. After a heated argument I feel like I can do anything, and I usually use that energy towards positive things.

Hahaha, exactly!

You should see me clean when I'm angry. Everything is sparkling!

[Lucan]

I find the same thing with me. When I get angry I do enjoy it, sometimes I start to laugh about it but I find as I've gotten older I seem to control it better.

[DeadSpace]

This is an eye opener...i don't like being angry, didn't know it was something to be enjoyed. Too easy to hurt people when angry, say things you might regret, do things you might regret. Do things in the heat of the moment, without rational thought...no...i do not like being angry. Prefer calm, Rational thought.
Anger subverts the rational, heady rush of power. Feeds itself...anything can be done when angry. Nothing is thought out, no reasoning...just feeding the anger. Feeding the rush.

[pinkroger]

Well, I find that when I'm angry, I generally don't do anything to stop it, in fact, i try to feed it. Personally, I would question the idea of adrenaline having much to do with it, because I don't have much of an adrenaline rush when I'm angry. Although, it could be different in other people.

[eternaltriangle]

Its very rewarding - I have a high breaking point, so when I finally get to call everybody else on the stuff I put up with, it feels great. I think bitterness about grade 3 motivated me for about 12 years...

[Solus]

I'm not sure how it is possible to "enjoy" anger. You feel anger because you are frustrated that something isn't going the way you think it should, right? Once you experience enjoyment, I think by definition you cannot experience frustration at the same time - unless you are a masochist. I can only imagine that "positive" and envigourating feelings some may experience following the outburst probably have more to do with the fact that they've just succeeded in puting down the object of their frustration or some (unfortunate) surrogate. Being someone who often serves as a punching bag for some of my "superiours" I can only say that I usually find such confrontations quite debilitating, especially if they are with narcissistic and inherently irrational ESFPs.

[pinkroger]

Haha. ESFP's are irrational. Well, perhaps I'm a masochist then.

[meanlittlechimp]

I never enjoy it. But I guess how I could see it could be more of an INTJ trait.

Bottling up all those criticisms and snarky things you wanted to say but didn't; and having it all explode at once, might provide some much wanted relief.

[iamnotspock]

Yeah, I enjoy getting pissed off, and I enjoy a good fight. Verbal, not physical. I enjoy the sheer aggression, and the ability to leave your opponent dazed by the fusilade flying their way. It is not constructive; it is destructive. But it's fun, and it can be hot with a woman who can handle it.

[gogurtdynasty]

That's a very interesting idea. I think you're right about it being very common—maybe even universal.

When I become truly angry (which is very rare and never longlasting), I find that I do enjoy it very much. It could be because it's such a novel emotion, but I suspect it's because anger motivates me to be more daring; I feel so uninhibited, so full of power and self-control.

Anger stemming from frustration is another matter entirely, however. That just makes me feel helpless and exhausted.

It's pretty difficult to make me angry but when i get there it feels great (though i hate to admit that)

but for myself it feels like it's more of an excitement that i actually expressed emotion and i gain incredible verbal eloquence when angry... it makes me proud that i was able to project my self clearly


I agree also on exhausted anger... I have a tendency to start talking to my self when i'm frustrated (you should have heard me today at work in the stock room our stock team piled up tons of huge heavy boxes infront of my stock area [not to mention a dirty barbecue] "fucking eh, i don't know what kind of beast-tards think that... blah blah blah")

[Aoiluna]

oh a guy who finds it hot to fight with a woman who can handle it? hmmm... I should find me one of those.

[apresmoimelle]

Well, alot of psychological disorders overlap and it's difficult to really say what some symptom or trait could be exactly but this sounds a bit like Passive-Agressive Behavior, Bipolar Disorder, Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Antisocial Personality Disorder, and Borderline Personality Disorder. Especially the whole manipulative personality and exciting whatever emotion you want in a certain person.

Which is funny, because many people who are INTJ are prone to all of these personality/mood disorders. To tell you the truth, I know I love challenging authority or people just to get a reaction. When we fight it's such an amazing feeling, especially if I am winning the argument or I've left the person with nothing else to say. *orgasms* Yeah, I am totally kidding about the orgasm part...Yeah.

[gogurtdynasty]

I think leaving somebody speechless is even better than the elusive orgasm

[Tenacious B]

bunch of drama queens:p

The only times I enjoy anger is if I'm actually able to blow off some steam (which I usually have plenty of) or put someone in their place who really needs it. The rest of the time I'd rather be calm.

[pinkroger]

It's probably borderline, not narcissistic, bipolar, antisocial or passive aggressive. I also don't think it has anything to do with emotional let-out.

[Solus]

It's probably borderline, not narcissistic, bipolar, antisocial or passive aggressive. I also don't think it has anything to do with emotional let-out.

As long as it's not a narcissistic personality disorder, you and the people around you will be just fine :thumbsup:.

Just out of curiousity, seeing that you feel it has nothing to do with emotional let-out, can I ask you (and anyone else willing to share their thoughts): firstly, what are some of the situations that bring about this anger and secondly, who is this anger directed at (is it at someone who just happens to be near you, or at someone who deserves it and is near you; admittedly, the former situation would probably presuppose emotional let-out)?

[Katie]

Anger is the result of fear and/or hurt (or a combination). When angered, those emotions are strong because they're fear based ... if you stand back and look at what made you angry, it's the fear of what could happen or of the consequences of what did happen that may include deep hurt. It not only feeds itself, but the sense of power is a false one. Anger acted upon weakens the true personal power. Loving it is a symptom of addictive entrancement to which INTJs are vulnerable, as we don't express emotions easily.

[pinkroger]

That's very interesting, Katie. Although, it has nothing to do with fear...it is much more the hurt part of it, and just about anything I can get (mostly music) to trigger it. To answer your questions, EasilyIrritated, first, the anger is brought about by anything that is bad enough to trigger something like that (or music, as I have mentioned). Also, it is directed towards anyone I come in contact with, but particularly at the object of anger (not necessarily the cause of the anger).

[Antares]

Anger subverts the rational, heady rush of power. Feeds itself...anything can be done when angry. Nothing is thought out, no reasoning...just feeding the anger. Feeding the rush.


Well, sometimes I enjoy my anger because I know using it, I can hurt whoever it is that I'm angry at. Not very nice, I know, but I work anger into 'revenge' mode sometimes. Not anything physical or anything, but I become more cold and cynical when I'm angry ("Why don't you go screw yourself?" or something of that like). I hardly ever lose control or yell and I use my anger to, for example, glare down my mother so she leaves me alone.

[DeadSpace]

Hmmm, have to add an addendum to my post, hot anger can be dangerous (imo). Cold anger is quite enjoyable, clarity of thought it brings, a focus. Doesn't override emotion, but lets you see them clearly, coldly. It can be enlightening.

[Nausved]

The anger I enjoy is anger that is based around a sense of unfairness. If someone were to steal a sizeable amount of money from me, for example, I would become very angry, and I would like that anger because it would seem justified (though I would not like being stolen from, of course).

When I become angry, it's usually on someone else's behalf. Sometimes I even become angry at myself when I have acted unfairly. Note that I find being angry at myself no less enjoyable than anger directed at others; it's still very empowering somehow.

[pinkroger]

Cold anger...I don't seem to have that kind of a reaction to anything, I just dissociate with everything. Hot anger is enjoyable, however. Perhaps it actually does have something to do with emotional let-out. As INTJ's, we definitely have a tendency to keep [I]everything[I] to ourselves, particularly emotions.

[slut poacher]

my brother (also an intj) says i have 2 emotional settings: angry and angry-lite. the help this forum has provided has made happiness seem attainable, this is frightening and strange. i find myself often wondering "so what do i do now?". anger is good for motivation, but not much use in day to day getting along. you might be "going like hell" and making things happen when anger is driving you. but what good is it, when after the anger subsides nobody will come near you?

[sam988]

That's a very interesting idea. I think you're right about it being very common—maybe even universal.

When I become truly angry (which is very rare and never longlasting), I find that I do enjoy it very much. It could be because it's such a novel emotion, but I suspect it's because anger motivates me to be more daring; I feel so uninhibited, so full of power and self-control.

Anger stemming from frustration is another matter entirely, however. That just makes me feel helpless and exhausted.



Exactly how i can feel sometimes. When i feel anger because, i.e., i couldn't accomplish something i wanted, then i love it because it motivates me beyond what i would imagine if i wasn't angry.

But anger out of frustration, as you said, is an emotion i try to root out as soon as it comes.

[Victoria Silver]

I never enjoy the experience of anger, even when it is justified. I do get angry sometimes, but I always regret it and wish it had not happened, even when I do nothing to express it. Anger never motivates me; rather it gets in my way. I would gladly never experience it again.

[pinkroger]

Most people here are saying they enjoy anger in a motivational way. I, on the other hand, enjoy it for it's own sake, excluding frustrated anger. Perhaps I am a masochist, but then all of humanity is. That's why we watch horror movies (don't say you don't do anything to that effect, because everyone does).

[vaguely dissatisfied]

Anger can be enjoyed by some individuals. These people usually feel powerful when they are angry and this makes them feel good about themselves.

I feel powerless when I'm angry. Instead of me controlling my anger, it controls me.

[Jgib5328]

I love the feeling of true hatred, which I consider an extreme form of refined anger. Overall though, feeling strong bursts of rage is awesome too, but I haven't felt those since football.

[Noirc]

Most people here are saying they enjoy anger in a motivational way. I, on the other hand, enjoy it for it's own sake, excluding frustrated anger. Perhaps I am a masochist, but then all of humanity is. That's why we watch horror movies (don't say you don't do anything to that effect, because everyone does).

it's odd why so many would single out anger, and not treat it like any other controllable emotion. giving into anger is like giving into any other "feeling". but I find anger to be one of the least important and dare i say, stupid, of emotions. It gets nothing done properly, just done. It's also infectious, you can anger anyone just by being angry, it turns on an switch that blinds you to reality, creates barrier around you from other people, not as a defense mechanism, but because people don't want to be around you. anger is pointless, harmful, and should be controlled at all costs. Anger will get the best of you, and ruin it, turns a perfectly beautiful day, into an unforgettable nightmare to yourself and others. One day, someone is going to come along, and instead of being infected with your anger and irrational behavior, they'll put a shank in your spine for ruining their perfectly good day. no shanks!

[pinkroger]

Funny... Anyway, I think you're missing the point, Noirc. Anger releases chemicals of which INTJ's have naturally low levels in our brains. This makes anger a very enjoyable emotion because it's like a drug. Perhaps being a very strong INTJ has something to do with it, because most INTJ's are borderline on several mental illnesses. This isn't to say INTJ's are ill, but we are closer than any other type to being schizophrenic, psychotic or neurotic. Maybe this just means that I'm much more of any one of these than most other people here.

[vaguely dissatisfied]

I love the feeling of true hatred, which I consider an extreme form of refined anger. Overall though, feeling strong bursts of rage is awesome too, but I haven't felt those since football.
You're on a power trip. I don't know the psychology behind your particular reasons for reacting this way to anger, but that's what's going on.

[pinkroger]

Personally, I think that may be it. Who doesn't like to feel powerful? Even masochists such as myself like it. To be frank, it's better than sex, which is the only other thing (aside from drugs, which I haven't yet done) that even comes close.

[malefide]

I'm very reserved, deliberate, and considerate by default, carefully reasoning away and suppressing strong emotions, but when I do express anger (which is a different thing from frustration), it often gives me a liberating feeling, almost a rush. I don't express my anger unless I truly think it is justified--my anger is often a result of injustice or unfairness in real life--so when I finally make it known just how infuriated I am, it almost invariably feels very "right" to me.

[pinkroger]

Exactly, malefide. That's exactly it.

[zibber]

I'm not sure how it is possible to "enjoy" anger. You feel anger because you are frustrated that something isn't going the way you think it should, right?

This is a very good definiton of frustration, I think, but that's just one type of anger I experience (mostly when wronged in traffic). I definitely do NOT enjoy that, and it generally dissipates when I think about the situation for more than two seconds.

Get this, though: I remember a period where I enjoyed or at least indulged in a kind of combination of self-pity, frustration and anger (the blues?), stemming from a bad experience with a woman. Looking back it's sort of frightening: I really got into gory horror movies and a kind of music called "death rap", and smoked myself into oblivion for a while (ie. weed).

I think that -besides the possible release of neural chemicals otherwise rare in the INTJ brain- wallowing in a specific anger just gave me a reason to really pull back from active social activity, stop caring and give two big middle fingers to "the world" for a while, hedonistically indulging in extreme sensual stimulation and really living in the moment without worrying too much about the future. If that makes sense.

(Oh, I barely actually expressed that anger to others, by the way. I did write some really vile rhymes about the girl in person and shared them with a select view, but I didn't even consider directly confronting anyone.)

[sriv]

It makes perfect sense that people enjoy anger because it is a form of venting emotion. What is more comfortable for the average person...venting their anger, or repressing it?

[vaguely dissatisfied]

I have seen first hand how someone can enjoy anger. It is a powerful feeling that they are experiencing. It may be that these individuals spend alot of their time feeling powerless. This makes the prospect of anger desirable for them.

[pinkroger]

I personally don't feel powerless, most of the time I can manipulate people to ridiculous extents (I once provoked a girl into having a fist fight with someone by merely answering her questions in a way that left her confused and so frustrated she took it out on the next person that bothered her). But, as an INTJ, I do have unnaturally low levels of some neurological chemicals, namely serotonin, as some of my friends have pointed out. But when I'm angry, it's like I'm high, presumably off serotonin, which is possible, I have checked.

[Pnutslayer]

I enjoy getting angry; usually I blow up for only a few seconds and do something violent like smashing a flashlight (I never physically hurt anything living). Then I return to normal as if nothing has happened. Shocked looking faces and increased cooperation seem to follow...

This is probably because I am viewed as calm and emotionless by most of my peers.

[xtremegeek]

Anger can be enjoyed by some individuals. These people usually feel powerful when they are angry and this makes them feel good about themselves.

I feel powerless when I'm angry. Instead of me controlling my anger, it controls me.

Well put. I don't like being angry. I feel like the Incredible Hulk when he says, "Don't make me angry. You wouldn't like me when I'm angry." I don't get violent, but I feel horrible when I let that emotion get the best of me. Not once in my life has getting angry solved a problem for me. So I've learned to undue my anger rather quickly...meaning I make up with the object of my anger rather quickly.

Sometimes, people assume I'm angry when I'm quiet and have a serious look on my face, and I have a tendency to roll my eyes. In those situations, I'm content to let the person think I'm angry, even though I'm really not.

[bluesquid]

Well, sometimes I enjoy my anger because I know using it, I can hurt whoever it is that I'm angry at. Not very nice, I know, but I work anger into 'revenge' mode sometimes. Not anything physical or anything, but I become more cold and cynical when I'm angry ("Why don't you go screw yourself?" or something of that like). I hardly ever lose control or yell and I use my anger to, for example, glare down my mother so she leaves me alone.

I scare the crap out of myself when angry. I keep my endless thoughts and assesments about a person in a mental file, and with anger, brutal vitriol follows. I have damaged people before. Some people arent as capable at being objective about themselves, as I am. I cant stop perceiving, and anger loosens the reigns. Bad bad bad

Thats severe anger. I handle what other people find infuriating, makes me cold and cynical. Makes me a real prick.

I never get mad. Not clever nor constructive.

[True Rune]

Been too long, I don't think I've been truly pissed off in years, and I'd rather not be.
But I never remember 'enjoying' it.