Name: Why we get mad -- and why it's healthy
Uploaded: 2019-06-12T14:46:51Z
Duration: 12 min 56 s
Description: Anger researcher Ryan Martin draws from a career studying what makes people mad to explain some of the cognitive processes behind anger -- and why a healthy dose of it can actually be useful. "Your anger exists in you ... because it offered your ancestors, both human and nonhuman, an evolutionary advantage," he says. "[It's] a powerful and healthy force in your life."

Anger researcher Ryan Martin draws from a career studying what makes people mad to explain some of the cognitive processes behind anger -- and why a healthy dose of it can actually be useful. "Your anger exists in you ... because it offered your ancestors, both human and nonhuman, an evolutionary advantage," he says. "[It's] a powerful and healthy force in your life."

Why we get mad -- and why it's healthy

Anger is often seen as a problem, but it plays a crucial role in alerting us to injustice and motivating action. From the frustration of a slow driver to outrage over global issues, anger’s roots lie in how we interpret and react to situations. This emotion has been with us since infancy and even triggers physical changes like a racing heart and sweaty palms. Instead of trying to suppress anger, channeling it productively can spark meaningful change.