Misplaced Anger: The Psychology behind it.

 Misplaced Anger: The Psychology Behind It

Hi!! I hope you are doing well. Have you ever been angry because of a particular situation but ended up showing that anger to someone who had nothing to do with it? I’m sure you have. Or maybe, at some point, someone has taken out their frustration on you—even when you did nothing wrong. We've all been in such situations and let’s be honest, it’s quite frustrating, isn’t it?

In this blog, I’ll explain the psychological reason behind this behavior. By the end, I’m sure you’ll have a new perspective on it.

The Psychology of Redirected Anger

When someone’s words or actions emotionally trigger us, we become overwhelmed. In response, we either suppress or express that emotion to process it.

 

Some people choose to suppress their feelings, trying to forget the situation without showing their emotions to others. They don't take out their anger on anyone else, kind people, hehe. 

However, others choose to express their emotions and in doing so, they often take them out on innocent people. Why does this happen? Because their brain perceives certain people as a safe space to release these emotions. When someone superior to us like a boss, teacher, parent or elder causes frustration, we might feel unable to express our anger directly toward them. Instead, we subconsciously redirect it toward someone we perceive as inferior or emotionally safer, like a friend, junior colleague or younger sibling.

A Shift in Perspective

 

So, next time someone takes their frustration out on you, instead of reacting with anger or blame, try to see it differently. Remind yourself that you are someone’s comfort place. Offer them a little space, patience and understanding they might be dealing with a difficult situation themselves.

By Deeksha :)