ABSTRACT
Anger has been understood as a pure emotion, pertinent to the here-andnow, intrinsically respectful and having a multiplicity of essential functions (see Chapter 4); it has been argued to originate in the ‘separation and individuation’ (Mahler et al., 1973) developmental phase where it provides the impetus that enables the young child to emerge from their important early symbiotic relationship with their primary carers as a distinct individual with their own unique identity. If anger is sufficiently nurtured and responded to during this early phase, it subsequently serves an individual lifelong, ensuring their physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual independence; crucially, it delivers the momentum, motivation and stamina to care for the self in terms of confronting challenging situations, making new decisions and effecting change. The acknowledgement and expression of anger are fundamental to grieving and learning processes, an antidote to depression, crucial in maintaining good physical health, and can even extend life (see Chapter 4).
