Journal of African Studies and Sustainable Development

Anger is a universal human emotion that may function either constructively or destructively within personal, relational, and societal contexts. While it can motivate the pursuit of justice or inspire positive change, unmanaged anger frequently results in aggression, strained relationships, and diminished well-being. This paper explores anger from both psychological and biblical perspectives, with particular emphasis on its causes, consequences, and strategies for effective management. From a psychological standpoint, theories such as cognitive–behavioural and social learning approaches explain anger as being influenced by cognitive patterns, environmental factors, and personality traits. In contrast, biblical teaching presents anger not merely as an emotional reaction but also as a moral and spiritual concern requiring self-control, forgiveness, and reliance upon the Holy Spirit. The study identifies several underlying causes of anger, including unmet expectations, traumatic experiences, biological predispositions, and spiritual influences. It further examines the extensive consequences of uncontrolled anger on mental health, physical health, interpersonal relationships, and spiritual well-being. Effective anger management therefore requires an integrated approach that combines evidence-based psychological interventions—such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), relaxation strategies, and social skills training—with biblical principles, including prayer, forgiveness, and the cultivation of the fruit of the Spirit. By integrating insights from psychology and Scripture, this paper proposes a holistic framework for managing anger that fosters emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and spiritual maturity. This study adopted a qualitative research methodology, examining selected biblical texts alongside relevant scholarly literature on anger. The data were analysed using thematic analysis, enabling the identification of key themes and patterns relating to the psychological, physical, and spiritual dimensions of anger.

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