Primary Anger vs. Secondary Anger: A Different Way to Understand Anger in Relationships

Anger is often considered a secondary emotion.This means that anger frequently shows up as a protector response when more vulnerable emotions are activated underneath. When someone feels scared, hurt, rejected, or alone, anger can step forward to defend against those painful feelings.From the outside it may look like anger is the main issue, but underneath there’s always something more tender.The Repair Your Relationship Podcast is hosted by Stacey Curnow, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Relationship Specialist, and founder of Asheville Family Counseling.