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What is displaced anger in teenagers?

Author:
Emma Loker
Emma Loker
B.S.
Editor:
Aja Chavez
Aja Chavez
AMFT, APCC
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Anger comes in many forms, including displaced anger. Displaced anger in teenagers is when they aim their feelings towards someone or something other than the cause of their anger.

It’s normal for teenagers to displace their anger from time to time. However, if directing anger onto people or objects unrelated to the source of their feelings becomes their regular way of managing emotions, it can become a problem. 

It’s both normal and OK to feel angry, but displaced anger can damage relationships, friendships, schoolwork, and the family environment. If you or someone you love often displaces anger, it’s possible to learn healthier ways of managing it by understanding where it comes from and better ways to express it. 

To help you understand displaced anger in teenagers and how to manage it, this article covers:

  • What displaced anger in teenagers is
  • Signs of displaced anger in teens
  • The causes of displaced anger in adolescents
  • Tips for managing displaced anger in teenagers
  • Therapy options for teenage anger issues
  • When to seek help for displaced anger in teenagers
Displaced anger in teenager in therapy

What Is Displaced Anger in Teenagers?

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), displaced anger is “the direction of hostility away from the source of frustration or anger and toward either the self or a different entity.” This means that teenagers with displaced anger may project their feelings of aggression onto something or someone aside from the source of their anger – including themselves. 

Displaced anger (sometimes known as “misplaced anger”) is a type of “defense mechanism,” meaning that teenagers might use it to help them cope with stress and anxiety. This means they may displace their anger because it feels safer to do so. For example, consider a teenager experiencing trouble at school with a teacher; they may fear directly expressing their frustration as it risks punishment, so, instead, misdirect it toward their parent.1 

Displaced anger can provide a temporary sense of relief for teenagers. Yet, in the long run, it may damage their mental health as it can cause feelings of guilt and shame, affect self-esteem and relationships, and doesn’t help resolve the source of their anger.2

Aristotle once said; “Anybody can become angry, that is easy; but to be angry with the right person, and to the right degree, and at the right time…that is not within everybody’s power, that is not easy.” Learning how to manage anger in more constructive ways may be a challenge at the start. However, over time, it becomes easier and allows you or someone you love to express yourself in healthier ways.

The Types of Displaced Anger

The information around displaced anger tends to describe two types of redirection of emotions: internal and external.3,4 

  • Internally Displaced Anger in Teenagers:     If a teen misdirects their anger internally, they get angry at themselves instead of at someone or something else. They might do so because they either blame themselves for the situation or fear negative consequences for letting their anger out. Over time, internally displaced anger can lead to mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression and maladaptive ways of coping like self-harming. 
  • Externally Displaced Anger in Teenagers: This is when teens express anger towards someone or something undeserved of this reaction because it or they are deemed less “risky” or likely to react. Externally displacing anger can damage relationships and create a “ripple effect” in which more conflict and anger are created.  

It’s clear that both internally and externally displaced anger can have serious impacts on a young person’s relationships and mental health. If you are concerned about someone you love, the following signs of displaced anger in teens can help increase awareness.

3. Find a Healthy Outlet for Emotions

3. Find a Healthy Outlet for Emotions

Signs of Displaced Anger in Teens

The signs of displaced anger in teens can help parents, caregivers, and teachers better understand how to provide support. It’s important to remember that teens may be internally displacing their anger, which could be more difficult to detect. 

Although the signs of displaced frustration in adolescence might vary from person to person, the following are some common indicators:5 

Mood Swings or Irritability

A teen with misplaced anger might become frustrated or have outbursts of anger at small annoyances – a reaction out of proportion to the situation.

Creating Conflict or Having Frequent Emotional Outbursts

Outbursts without clear triggers or frequent arguments with family, friends, or teachers may indicate that a teen is struggling to manage their emotions.

Passive Aggression

Passive aggression can be a less direct way for a teen to express their frustrations to others, such as parents, teachers, and peers. This might look like speaking sarcastically to others, giving the “silent treatment,” or saying subtly insulting things.

Acting Physically Aggressive

Throwing objects, slamming doors, or getting into fights may indicate misplaced anger.

Avoidance or Withdrawal

When a teenager is fighting against their feelings of anger, they may withdraw from their friends and family. This withdrawal might come across as typical adolescent behavior, but it also may be because they’re fearful of losing control of their anger around others.

Defensiveness

Frequently reacting defensively when questioned about their emotions, or even about unrelated issues, may be a sign of displaced anger in teens.

Why Teens Have Displaced Anger

Often, displaced anger in teens can be triggered by mild, everyday occurrences. However, long-term displaced anger can be caused by early experiences, including trauma and major events such as the loss of a loved one or bullying. 

The following is a breakdown of the potential causes of and factors affecting displaced anger in teens:1,6

  • Learned Responses:     The teen’s family environment and past experiences may affect how they express their anger. For example, if they grew up in a family where expressions of anger were discouraged, they may not feel comfortable showing their emotions externally and direct anger internally or towards friends. Additionally, if a teen experienced trauma or abuse in the past, they may project their anger on to more “safe” and less threatening targets.
  • Belief System: We all have a belief system that affects how we act in the world and towards other people – and it is often shaped by past experiences. For instance, if a teenager believes, either consciously or unconsciously that “Everyone is out to get me,” they may have heightened sensitivity to any perceived slight towards them. This belief could then “light the fuse” of their frustrations and result in displaced anger. 
  • Unconscious Motivators: We are often driven to think and act in certain ways by unconscious processes or “motivators.” For example, a teen might have a subconscious fear of rejection or abandonment based on previous experiences, such as unmet needs or unresolved trauma. This subconscious motivator could be easily triggered by their environment, prompting the teen to misplace their anger. 
  • Individual Differences: Certain individual differences, such as personality traits like perfectionism, may cause teens to misplace their anger. For instance, they may lash out at others or direct blame internally if they feel like they’ve “failed” at a task. 

Displaced anger, including its causes, can be daunting to understand and manage. If any of the signs and causes of displaced anger resonate with you, there are steps and strategies you can put in place to help better manage emotions. 
Teen girl listening to music struggling with displaced anger

Tips for Managing Displaced Anger in Teenagers

It’s normal for a teenager to displace their anger on occasion; adolescence is a time of both physical and mental change, which can be challenging to cope with. However, if you notice any of the warning signs of anger issues in adolescents in either yourself or a loved one, the following strategies can help. 

1. Remove Yourself From the Situation

When you feel anger bubbling up, it might be wise to take a break before it escalates. If you allow your anger to take over, it can worsen the situation and cause you to lash out at someone undeserving of blame. Try taking a walk, listening to some music, or engaging in an activity that calms you. It may be difficult to remove yourself from all environments, such as the classroom, so the next step may help with such occasions. 

2. Try Relaxation Techniques

Relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness and deep breathing, are great ways to calm your nervous system when you can’t remove yourself from a triggering situation. These techniques allow you the time to gain insight into the issue before reacting in a way you regret – and also help you better understand the source of your anger. 

One-minute mindfulness is a great way to quickly and easily reset your mind and body, and it can be practiced anywhere. Pay attention to the sensations in your body, concentrate on your breathing, and notice how the feelings in your body change in response. 

Another useful way of coping with your anger in the moment is to keep a list of statements or reminders about yourself to hand. Make these statements meaningful to you, for instance, “I feel angry, but it doesn’t define who I am as a person and I won’t allow it to control me.”

3. Find a Healthy Outlet for Emotions

Anger can be like steam in a pressure cooker; it needs to be released before it explodes. Physical activities such as boxing, martial arts, or running can be effective ways to release pent-up energy – in fact, exercise in general has been shown to help get anger under control. Another benefit of exercise for teen anger management is that it can distract you from your emotions and boost “feel good” chemicals in the brain.7

Alternatively, creative outlets such as art and creative writing can also provide healthy ways to understand and express anger. 

4. Talk to Someone You Trust for Emotions

Talking to someone you trust, whether it’s a friend, family member, teacher, or mental health professional, allows you to share what you’re going through and lighten the burden. Other people can help give you perspective on the situation – allowing you to see it from another person’s point of view. 

Talking about how you’re feeling is a sign of strength, it shows that you are taking charge of your well-being and doing what you need to stay healthy. If you don’t know how to start talking about your anger, you could prepare prompt lines like the following:

  • “I know I’ve been getting angry a lot recently, but I don’t think it’s about these situations. It would really help me to know I have you to talk to.”
  • “I keep getting frustrated about little things and I’m not sure why. I want to understand and I feel like talking to you could help.”

While each of these strategies are excellent ways of managing emotions, sometimes they might not be enough for treating redirected anger in adolescents. If this is the case for you or a loved one, therapy for teenage anger issues may be advisable.

Therapy for Teenage Anger Issues

If you or someone you know is experiencing displaced anger to the extent it’s affecting your quality of life, professional help and support is available. Therapy with a trained mental health professional can help a teen explore their anger and its potential causes, as well as develop healthy coping skills.

There is a wide range of professional support options for treating redirected anger in adolescents. A medical or mental health professional can advise on the most suitable form of therapy based on why teens have displaced anger and teen anger triggers. However, some of the most popular therapies for teenage anger issues include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):

CBT’s evidence-based approach can help manage displaced anger in teenagers as it targets the thoughts and behaviors behind their emotions – as well as the potential underlying reasons.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):

DBT was adapted from CBT for people who struggle with strong or difficult emotions and can help with displaced frustration in teenagers by teaching practical ways of managing emotions and stress.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):

EMDR therapy can help teens with displaced anger process any potential underlying trauma in a safe, supportive environment.

Anger Management Therapy:

This form of therapy helps teens to better understand their anger and focuses on relaxation techniques such as mindfulness therapy for displaced anger in youth and breathing exercises to help them control anger responses. It also targets communication skills to assist teens in expressing their needs without resorting to outbursts.

Art Therapy:

This approach can bypass barriers that sometimes happen in talk therapy for people who struggle with their emotions. It involves using creative outlets like drawing or painting to express repressed emotions and explore underlying issues. 

When to Seek Help for Displaced Anger in Teenagers

Displaced anger in teenagers can be isolating and distressing. If you or someone you love is redirecting their anger in ways that are affecting your well-being, relationships, and quality of life, support is available. You are not alone in this experience and Mission Prep can help.

Mission Prep’s team of trained professionals offers individualized, effective care for teens who find coping with anger difficult. We aim to understand each teenager’s needs to provide the best form of treatment, including the following options:

Reaching out is the first step towards better health, and Mission Prep is here to help. Contact us today for support and guidance. 
Displaced anger in teenagers

References

  1. Burns, J. W., Evon, D., & Strain-Saloum, C. (1999). Repressed anger and patterns of cardiovascular, self-report and behavioral responses: Effects of harassment. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 47(6), 569-581
  2. Puskar, K., Ren, D., Bernardo, L. M., Haley, T., & Stark, K. H. (2008). Anger Correlated with Psychosocial Variables in Rural Youth. Issues in Comprehensive Pediatric Nursing, 31(2), 71–87. https://doi.org/10.1080/01460860802023513
  3. Davis, E. (n.d.). Effective anger management for teens: Handle frustration, stop the rage, and improve communication. Impact Publishing.
  4. Musante, L., & Treiber, F. A. (n.d.). The relationship between anger-coping styles and lifestyle behaviors in teenagers. Journal of Adolescence, 34(4), 403-413. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jadohealth.2020.02.010
  5. Suh, H. W., Lee, K. B., Chung, S. Y., Park, M., Jang, B. H., & Kim, J. W. (2021). How suppressed anger can become an illness: a qualitative systematic review of the experiences and perspectives of hwabyung patients in Korea. Frontiers in psychiatry, 12, 637029
  6. Perozzo, P., Savi, L., Castelli, L., Valfrè, W., Lo Giudice, R., Gentile, S., … & Pinessi, L. (2005). Anger and emotional distress in patients with migraine and tension–type headache. The journal of headache and pain, 6, 392-399
  7. Beyond IBS. (n.d.). Fire in my belly: Repressed anger and IBS. https://beyondibs.co.uk/fire-in-my-belly/
  8. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Recognizing signs of suppressed anger in teenagers.

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