An anger iceberg visually illustrates that anger isn't just one feeling but comes from lots of others hiding underneath. Kids can feel mad because of things like guilt, stress, being tired, hurting, or feeling overwhelmed. This often happens in situations like school stress, fights with friends, or when things don't go as planned.
The Anger Iceberg Infographic illustrates anger as an iceberg that helps kids understand anger better with its visible and hidden parts. The visible part above the waterline represents what others observe when kids are angry, while the submerged section delves into the thoughts, feelings, and experiences driving those angry emotions. Below, practical tips are outlined to assist children in managing anger, especially in challenging situations where a mix of thoughts and feelings can be overwhelming.
Understanding the anger iceberg helps kids see that their feelings are like an iceberg with hidden parts. It lets them know that when they feel angry, there's more to it than what others see. For instance, if a friend takes their toy without asking, the anger iceberg helps them realize it's not just about the toy; it's also about feeling upset, and knowing this helps them talk about their feelings and find a solution.
Parents or mental health professionals can continue helping kids explore their feelings after using the worksheet. They might have friendly talks or fun activities, like drawing or making crafts together, to talk about feelings that are hard to put into words.
This handout pairs well with our anger iceberg worksheet, which allows for written application of the anger iceberg concept.
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References:
- Berkowitz, L., & Harmon-Jones, E. (2004). Toward an understanding of the determinants of anger. Emotion, 4(2), 107-130. https://doi.org/10.1037/1528-3542.4.2.107
- Lelieveld, G., Van Dijk, E., Van Beest, I., & Van Kleef, G. A. (2012). Why anger and disappointment affect other’s bargaining behavior differently. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 38(9), 1209-1221. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167212446938
- Mill, A., Kööts-Ausmees, L., Allik, J., & Realo, A. (2018). The role of co-occurring emotions and personality traits in anger expression. Frontiers in Psychology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00123
