Though there are considerable individual differences in how much people experience and express anger, there are some display rules that govern what is and isn’t appropriate for us to express our anger in various situations. Some display rules are widely shared within a society, while others are more personal, such as how we think others present will react to the emotions we display.

Through their research, Mesquita and Frijda (1992) found out some interesting strategies people around the world use in their expression of anger.

(1) Expressions of violent anger were traditionally discouraged amongst the Utku Eskimos. Hostility was expressed in sulking, silence and withdrawal. The only legitimate outlet for aggression for the Utku was towards their dogs.

(2) Among the Hare Indians of Colville Lake, USA, displays of anger, happiness or jealously were only approved of when a person was drunk. Not only were these emotions sanctioned by intoxication, they were eagerly observed by onlookers.

(3) Among the Kaluli of Papua New Guinea, strong expressions of anger are encouraged. When a man has been wronged he may stamp furiously up and down outside his longhouse, shouting out the details of the problem for all the neighbours to hear in order to get sympathetic support.

(4) Bedouin living in Western Egypt tend to react to bereavement by expressing anger and indignation as much as sadness. This is because sadness in seen as an expression of weakness which can undermine their sense of honour.

So, how do you express your anger? Sallow it, voice it out to the computer, talk to your close friends, pass the anger to another person or just ignore the anger and let it goes off naturally.

Source: “Development Perspectives on Emotion” by Martin Woodhead, Peter Barners and Dorothy Miell.