Introduction to the Psychology of Emotions
In the modern world, understanding the emotional sphere has transformed from a peripheral topic into a central element of success and mental health. Emotions are recognized as a complex signaling system that ensures adaptation. This report focuses on the nature of anger, the differences between authentic and toxic feelings, and the development of emotional competence according to age cycles.
Hierarchy of Affective States
Understanding the nature of experiences requires distinguishing concepts that are often confused. Psychology builds a clear sequence of emotional process development.
Affect as a Biological Storm
Affect is the most ancient form of reaction. It is a short-term, extremely intense process arising in response to a sudden threat. It is realized through subcortical brain structures, bypassing rational thinking ("amygdala hijack"). Affect is characterized by a narrowing of consciousness and violent discharge (screaming, striking, fleeing). There are sthenic affects (anger, ecstasy) that mobilize energy, and asthenic affects (terror) that paralyze the will.
Emotion and Cognitive Appraisal
Emotion is a more complex phenomenon involving situational assessment. It is longer-lasting than affect and less intense, allowing for control. Emotion is formed through awareness: a stimulus is evaluated as safe or dangerous, triggering specific chemical reactions (dopamine for joy, norepinephrine for anxiety).
Complex Feelings and Socialization
Feelings differ from emotions in stability and direction towards a specific object. While an emotion can be situational, a feeling (love, hate, pride) is a personality constant formed by upbringing and values.
Mood as Life Background
Mood is the longest-lasting state of low intensity that creates the emotional background of life. It is formed under the influence of physiology (fatigue, hormones), residues of unlived emotions, and general worldview.
Anatomy of Anger: Functions and Types
Anger is often condemned, but it is critical for survival. Its evolutionary role is the protection of territory and offspring. Psychologically, anger performs a signal function (reports boundary violations), a regulatory function (provides energy for action), and a cathartic function (relieves tension).
Spectrum of Anger Intensity
Anger is not homogeneous; it varies in strength and purpose:
- Irritation is a weak signal of discomfort or mismatch with expectations. It manifests as slight tension and serves to draw attention to minor problems.
- Anger is conscious dissatisfaction and readiness for action. It is accompanied by an accelerated heartbeat and allows for assertive defense of one's boundaries.
- Rage is a state of extreme intensity, close to affect. It arises in extreme conditions for the physical destruction of a threat, often blocking pain sensation.
- Hostility is chronic, frozen anger that has become a character trait. This is a toxic state manifesting through cynicism and passive aggression.
Authenticity vs. Racket in Transactional Analysis
Fundamental to Transactional Analysis is the distinction between real emotions and manipulative substitutions.
Authentic Anger arises "here and now" as a reaction to a real problem. It has a beginning and an end, and its expression brings relief and resolves the conflict. Its goal is protection and situational change.
Racket (Toxic) Anger is a habitual emotion substituting feelings forbidden in childhood. If a child was forbidden to cry (sadness), they may learn to be angry instead. Racket anger does not solve the problem but accumulates (the "stamp collecting" phenomenon) to eventually explode. It leads not to relief but to guilt and prolonged conflicts, often serving the role of Persecutor in the Drama Triangle.
Psychochemistry and Formulas of Complex Feelings
Complex emotions are combinations of basic experiences and thoughts:
- Guilt is formed from fear of punishment and anger at oneself, combined with love for the object. Internal mindset: "I did something bad."
- Shame consists of fear of rejection, disgust with oneself, and sadness. Mindset: "I am defective." This is a toxic feeling that blocks contact.
- Resentment is a mixture of hidden anger and a sense of powerlessness, to which a demand on the other is added. This is the passive-aggressive position of the Victim.
- Anxiety is fear multiplied by uncertainty and fantasies about the future.
- Jealousy combines anger, fear of loss, love, and self-doubt.
Cycles of Emotional Development (by Pamela Levin)
Pamela Levin
The ability to manage emotions is formed in stages. Adult problems are often echoes of childhood stages.
Stage 1: The Power of BEING (0–6 months) The infant lives in a state of affect. Crying is survival energy. If parents respond adequately to needs, the child learns that the world is safe and their emotions are important. If needs are ignored, fear of one's own anger or chaotic anxiety forms. Affirmation for healing: "You have the right to be here and to have needs."
Stage 2: The Power of DOING (6–18 months) The child begins to explore the world. Anger becomes a tool of autonomy (the first "Nos"). If parents suppress activity, shame and doubt form. The authentic anger of the explorer is replaced by passivity or procrastination in adulthood. Affirmation for healing: "You can explore the world and come back to me."
Competence Development Strategies
To heal the emotional sphere, it is useful to apply the concept of recycling—consciously returning to the tasks of early stages (for example, allowing oneself rest and passivity during a crisis, as in the "Being" stage). Working with toxic anger requires finding the vulnerability hidden beneath it (fear or shame) and restoring contact with reality "here and now."
Conclusion: From Theory to Practice with MriyaRun
Understanding the architectonics of your own emotions is the foundation of mental health, but true transformation only happens through practice. The MriyaRun project was created specifically to provide you with safe tools for processing feelings ecologically.
If you feel stuck in "racket" emotions or find it difficult to distinguish fatigue from hidden anger, our tools can be of help:
- To monitor your states daily, use our Psychological Diaries, which help structure the chaos of thoughts.
- For working with the subconscious and shadow aspects of personality, our Metaphorical Associative Cards (MAC) are a perfect fit.
- To dive deeper into the topic of personal boundaries, check out our educational courses.