The Emasculating Power of Anger

The December 2005 issue of Scientific American (p. 97) mentions that during stress (or anger), the functioning of the reproductive organs are suppressed. This is a useful survival trait — if you're trying to outrun a sabre-toothed tiger, you don't need an erection!

In our modern world, however, repeated stress and anger supresses the functioning of both male and female reproductive organs, sometimes even leading to infertility. This, too, is a survival trait — perpetually angry and stressed couples may not be able to reproduce. In a way it's nature's way of preventing child abuse.

A better survival trait, however, is learning to manage stress and anger. Anger management classes based on the Anderson & Anderson Model train students in the skills of stress management and help the to better understand and manage their anger. Additionally, they teach more effective communication techniques that can help prevent anger from surfacing in the first place. Finally, the teach emotional intelligence, which is the capstone in managing anger.

So guys, what will it be? A lifetime of $10 little blue pills or a few weeks spent learning to manage anger and stress?