Childhood Anger: So Common, Yet So Misunderstood

PURPOSE: To review findings of recent research studies on anger in children and adolescents, the outcomes of mishandled anger and interventions to promote appropriate anger management. SOURCE: Published literature. CONCLUSIONS: Anger may be a healthy or unhealthy response in children experiencing small frustrations or great injustices. Research findings vary and there is a need to clearly define anger and the correlates of anger in children and adolescents. In addition, there are limited studies on anger management strategies and their effectiveness that would assist healthcare professionals.