Seven deadly sins: Anger – the science of wrath | Royal Institution of Australia

Seven deadly sins: Anger – the science of wrath

Event date: Tuesday 15 March 2011 - 06:00pm to 07:30pm
Location: The Science Exchange. Program: Seven Deadly Sins.

Anger has long been viewed as a dangerous emotion. In its extreme form, it can cause a range of medical and social problems. People who are angry have strong physical responses and their highly charged emotional state can cause them to make uncharacteristic decisions, and easily become aggressive. Why is such a potentially harmful emotional response so common?

Experts now suggest that anger may not be sinful at all. It can help in conflict resolution and in dealing with threats. So why do we get angry? Do the benefits of this emotion outweigh the problems caused by it?

Host Robyn Williams (science journalist and broadcaster), and our specialist panel: Andrew Day, Michael Currie and Thomas Denson considered the neurology, psychology, treatment, and social impacts of anger. Join us for a fascinating discussion about this misunderstood sin.

Related Content:

Metaphors of anger by Andrew Day

All the Rage: Commentary and resources on the science of anger

Blog series by Andrew Day: Anger management and criminal offenders, part 1: When does anger become dangerous?

Blog series by Andrew Day: Anger management and criminal offenders, part 2: Why do you think anger management is important for criminal offenders?

Blog series by Andrew Day, Anger management and criminal offenders, part 3: Can anger management help all offenders?

Blog series by Michael Currie: The science of anger, part 1: Politics as a war – the role of angry language in debate

Blog series by Michael Currie: The science of anger, part 2: Anger and the poet

Blog series by Michael Currie: The science of anger, part 3: Using drums for the treatment of anger problems

Videos from the panel discussion:

Professor Andrew Day explains the treatment and management of violent offenders and the role that anger plays in serious violent offences <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/21380010">http://www.vimeo.com/21380010</a>

Dr. Michael Currie talks about anger management with aggressive adolescent children <a href="http://www.vimeo.com/21379646">http://www.vimeo.com/21379646</a>