The amygdala is a key brain region involved in processing anger. However, anger regulation is a complex process involving multiple brain areas.
The Amygdala's Role in Anger
The amygdala, an almond-shaped structure deep within the brain, is a major processing center for emotions, including fear and anger. [Multiple sources](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24894-amygdala, https://www.healthline.com/health/what-part-of-the-brain-controls-emotions, https://www.betterhelp.com) confirm its crucial role in coordinating emotional responses, particularly those related to threats and aggression, which are often associated with anger. When an angry feeling leads to aggressive or hostile behavior, the amygdala is activated. https://magazine.hms.harvard.edu/articles/anger-management
Other Brain Regions Involved in Anger
While the amygdala is central to the experience of anger, other areas contribute to its processing and regulation:
- Prefrontal Cortex: This area is responsible for reasoning, judgment, and logical thinking. It plays a significant role in managing and regulating anger. The prefrontal cortex helps us control our impulsive reactions to anger. https://psychcentral.com/blog/anger/2016/06/anger-and-the-brain, https://masteringanger.com/blog/what-part-of-the-brain-controls-emotions/
- Hypothalamus: This structure works with the amygdala in anger responses, similar to its role in fear responses, triggering the body's fight-or-flight response. https://mentalhealthcenterkids.com/blogs/articles/what-part-of-the-brain-controls-emotions
- Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex: This area is involved in regulating emotions. Its activation predicts the inhibition of anger during provocation. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-28863-3
- Right Temporal Pole and Right Ventromedial Temporal Area: These areas are associated with trait anger, indicating individual differences in anger predisposition. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9303475/
Brain Hemisphere Involvement
Research suggests that the neural system for emotions like anger is located in the left side of the brain. https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2018/06/left-right-and-center-mapping-emotion-brain
