Psychology Today: Kristen Lee (SSW’00) Explains the Psychology Behind Public Meltdowns
COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on mental health has been substantial. In particular, the United States has seen an increase in public adult outbursts, but what is the psychological source of these tantrums? BUSSW alumna Kristen Lee (SSW’00) explains how anxiety, fear, and our mindset all contribute to this behavior in her recent op-ed for Psychology Today.
Excerpt from “Why All the Adult Temper Tantrums?” by Kristen Lee, originally published in Psychology Today:
Adult tantrums are unsettling, and while it’s easy to judge when we’re not the ones losing our cool, it can help to understand what’s ramping them up if we want to promote positive behavioral change.
-
- Anger is rooted in anxiety and fear.
As with panic attacks and nervousness, anxiety is a culprit in combative behavior. Seeing anger through a lens of unaddressed anxiety can help us access the tools we need, rather than staying stuck in cycles of explosiveness and shame.
-
- Outbursts represent skill gaps and cumulative emotions that haven’t been dealt with properly.
Moments of disproportionate anger often reflect underlying untended emotions. Explosive behavior can be lessened by learning skills of self-talk that help us name difficult emotions and cope with them before they build up and explode. Doing so can translate into positive and productive communication with the outside world. We can also learn to increase our distress tolerance and become more adaptable.”