Theoretical and empirical perspectives on anger

This article reviews theoretical and empirical perspectives on anger as well as conceptualizations of anger through history. Although anger was once considered a sin or a madness to be avoided, Darwinian evolutionary theory and Freudian theory gave rise to a ventilationist approach that views expression of anger as an unequivocal good. However, global facilitation of anger can be harmful, and its benefits are not supported by research evidence. Other myths and assumptions about anger are challenged in this literature review. To the extent that psychiatric/mental-health nursing practice is based on inadequate theories or dated or flawed research, or both, our clients are not well served.