What Are the Different Types of Anger?

The different types of anger include negative feelings toward one's self, toward others and toward collective behaviors that are perceived as unjust or immoral. In self-directed anger, a person might feel unhappy about his or her failures or behaviors. Anger toward others typically involves feeling threatened, disrespected or misunderstood. Repressed anger is a pattern of continually ignoring frustrations and misidentifying negative feelings as tiredness or sadness. Righteous indignation also is among the various types of anger, involving negative feelings about violations of personal or societal moral codes or values.

Anger directed at the self is a common type of anger. Feeling frustrated, irritated or ashamed of one's actions can lead to perpetual self-dissatisfaction. Failing to study for an exam, for example, and receiving a poor grade might lead to feelings of regret and anger. Causing harm to others after consuming too much alcohol or drugs is another possible cause of feeling angry and blaming oneself. Any behavior by a person that violates his or her own values and moral beliefs might result in self-directed anger and regret.

Feeling frustrated and annoyed with others also is one of the common types of anger. The threat of losing a valuable relationship, object or way of life can result in anger toward another person or group. Being constantly criticized, belittled or disrespected might cause feelings of anger toward others. A person might interpret his or her spouse's critical words as a threat to the relationship. Working hard toward a significant goal and failing to accomplish it might cause feelings of anger toward anyone who is perceived as the being cause of or contributing to the failure.

In repressed anger, a person perpetually denies frustrations and/or misidentifies them as sadness or excessive worry. Over time, ignoring anger or pretending that it is not present might develop into explosive rage for some people. Repressed anger sometimes leads to health issues, such as chronic headaches, digestive issues or skin problems. Some of the reasons for repressing anger might include personal fears, cultural norms and family beliefs or religious beliefs about expressing anger.

Righteous indignation is one of the types of anger that is often categorized as a healthy and justified expression of anger. This form of anger involves expressing disapproval of actions that violate moral, societal, religious or cultural values. Feeling anger toward a person who is abusing a child, for example, falls into this category. Developing negative feelings about a government that consistently discriminates against a subsection of the population is another example. Many people believe that addressing the cause of anger in such cases leads to societal improvements and healthier relationships.