CART Psychological & Emotional Impact of Anger 2

Question 1

Which psychological concept describes the tendency for unexpressed anger to build up and later explode disproportionately to a trigger?

Accepted Answer

Anger accumulation effect

Answer

The anger accumulation effect refers to the buildup of unresolved anger that eventually surfaces with greater intensity than the immediate trigger warrants.

Question 2

Research by Berkowitz suggests that anger is most likely triggered when a person experiences:

Accepted Answer

Aversive stimulation

Answer

Berkowitz's cognitive neoassociation model proposes that aversive stimulation — pain, frustration, heat — automatically activates anger-related thoughts and feelings.

Question 3

A client reports feeling guilty and ashamed after angry outbursts, which then feeds more anger. This cycle is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Shame-rage spiral

Answer

The shame-rage spiral occurs when shame triggered by an anger episode generates additional rage, creating a self-reinforcing emotional cycle.

Question 4

Which of the following describes the role of the prefrontal cortex in anger regulation?

Accepted Answer

It modulates amygdala reactivity to dampen anger

Answer

The prefrontal cortex acts as a regulatory brake on the amygdala, helping to assess threats rationally and reduce disproportionate anger responses.

Question 5

A therapist notices a client uses anger to avoid feeling sadness or fear. This anger function is termed:

Accepted Answer

Masked emotion anger

Answer

Masked emotion anger (or secondary anger) occurs when anger serves as a more acceptable cover for underlying emotions like grief, fear, or shame.

(CART) Certified Anger Resolution Therapist Practice Test

(CART) Certified Anger Resolution Therapist Practice Test

CART Psychological & Emotional Impact of Anger 2