CART Understanding Anger & Causes 2

Question 1

Which brain structure is primarily responsible for generating the initial anger response before the cortex can evaluate the threat?

Accepted Answer

Amygdala

Answer

The amygdala fires a rapid 'low road' threat response before the prefrontal cortex can assess the situation rationally.

Question 2

A client reports feeling intense anger every time a coworker interrupts him in meetings. This pattern BEST illustrates which anger trigger category?

Accepted Answer

Internal belief violations

Answer

Repeated anger at being interrupted reflects a violated belief about respect and personal rights rather than just situational frustration.

Question 3

The 'hydraulic model' of anger, which compares anger to pressure building in a tank, has been largely discredited because:

Accepted Answer

Venting anger typically increases rather than reduces aggression

Answer

Research shows that venting or 'releasing' anger (e.g., punching pillows) tends to rehearse and escalate aggressive responding rather than reduce it.

Question 4

Chronic low-grade anger is MOST closely associated with which physiological outcome?

Accepted Answer

Elevated inflammatory markers and cardiovascular risk

Answer

Sustained anger keeps stress hormones elevated, promoting inflammation and increasing risk for hypertension and heart disease.

Question 5

When a client's anger is rooted in a perceived loss of control over outcomes, the CART therapist should primarily address which core need?

Accepted Answer

Safety and predictability

Answer

Loss-of-control anger fundamentally threatens the individual's need for safety and predictability in their environment.

(CART) Certified Anger Resolution Therapist Practice Test