Anger is a normal human emotion. Healthy anger motivates you to speak up, solve problems, and bring about needed change. However, unhealthy and uncontrolled anger can lead to problems at school, with relationships, and in the home. In this program several teens describe what makes them angry and the problems that they experienced from uncontrolled and destructive anger. Another teen describes how she channeled her anger about environmental and social issues into political activism. Two psychologists further clarify the differences between healthy and unhealthy anger and describe effective techniques to control anger in healthy ways.
© Human Relations Media
Includes:
video, plus teacher's resource book, student handouts and pre/post tests in digital format
DVD contains Spanish subtitles.
Controlling Anger Before It Controls You
18 min. w/36-page PDF guide. Human Relations Media. 2018. $149.95. Streaming $149.95 (1 year), $74.95 (30 days), $49.95 (7 days). ISBN 9781627060950.
Gr 7 Up–Discordant screen effects and music introduce this program about what makes people angry, what is healthy vs. unhealthy anger, and how to manage the emotion. The young adult participants and an expert psychologist talk about anger as neither good nor bad. A student activist in the area of climate justice describes her ire as a passion to initiate change in society. Positive anger can also help expose and clarify problems in relationships as long as it is kept at a level that is constructive. Unhealthy anger lasts a long time and is especially concerning when the person responds to trivial situations in an extreme fashion. A psychologist also describes the dangers of turning rage inward. She lists ways to manage it, including exercise, practicing relaxation skills, and sometimes taking a timeout. Also discussed is how to know when to get help, such as when the aggravation is uncontrollable with multiple outbursts. VERDICT A short and useful introduction that can be used in groups and with individuals in counseling situations. –Ann Brownson, formerly at Eastern Illinois University, Charleston
School Library Journal
Controlling Anger Before It Controls You
(2018) 18 min. DVD: $149.95 (study guide included). Human Relations Media. PPR. Closed captioned. ISBN 978-1-62706-095-0.
Why in the hell did I get this title for review? Is this a not-so-subtle hint from other staff that I need to work on my issues? I’m livid! Fortunately, Controlling Anger Before It Controls You offers a great breakdown of the titular emotion, suggesting healthy ways to clarify and deal with problems, along with tips on using relaxation techniques and effective communication. Clinical psychologists Deborah Gatins and L. Kevin Chapman provide expert commentary along with two host guides and several young interviewees, exploring various topics including the physical components of anger (such as shortness of breath, racing heart, muscle tension, etc.), causes (such as social slights and being putdown or misunderstood, general adolescent challenges, and family issues beyond one’s control), and ways in which anger can spur an honest addressing of problems before they escalate. A brief segment with a teen youth activist looks at how anger can be beneficial for effective action in social justice movements. Overall, this offers thoughtful guidance on a key aspect of emotional health. There, I feel better already! Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Williams-Wood)
Video Librarian