Anger Can Be Triggered by Biases

We all hold biases of one sort or another. Usually when we hear the word "bias," we think of it in terms of prejudice. Another type of bias is related to the way we interpret certain events. Biases can lead us to interpret a situation in a negative way. For example, suppose you're walking down the street and someone approaches from the opposite direction, bumping into you as they pass. If you normally interpret this type of action as intentional, and you will probably feel annoyed or maybe even angry at the person. In this situation, you are biased against people who bump into you, and you will react accordingly. On the other hand, if you shrug the bump off as an accident, you hold no bias against the person who bumped into you, and therefore will not feel angry.

Whenever you feel provoked, it is easy to formulate a bias against people who do or say whatever it is that has provoked you. Biases cause us to feel justified in striking back. You may think, "She did that to me, so I'm going to do this to her," or "I'll give him a knuckle sandwich -- that's the only way he'll learn to respect me!" Biases often lead to aggressive words or actions as a way to settle disputes or anger-provoking situations. However, aggression never solves anything.

The next time you feel provoked, see whether you can identify your biases. Challenge them. They're usually irrational.