The Anger Stop Light Method is a visual of a continual pattern that when most angry individuals follow, interventions for the anger cycle can be broken.
1) The cycle starts with the green stage (Green Light),
which is exemplified as being a state when both partners in any type of relationship, are happy to be in a
relationship. At this point the relationship is loving and enjoyable. The person with anger issues
is in a calm, no stress, and peace minded state of mind.
2) The next stage is the yellow stage (Yellow Light) in which tension
is building within the individual and relationship. The couple or workers may be getting
into small arguments, and the “anger participant” may become frustrated with their
partner/coworkers. Rumination is running full force and negative emotional states are
beginning and escalating. This is the same stage where the person is nitpicking at their victim. They are
yelling, screaming, threatening and blames everything on the victim. This
is also the period where the abuser may act sullen and withdrawal affection
from the victim. This phase lasts the longest it could last from days, to weeks, months, or even years.
3) The last stage is the red stage (Red Light). This
stage is usually the shortest stage and the most harmful. This stage is based
on one specific incident that leads to an explosion of anger. The angry person
may sexually, physically, psychologically or verbally harm their partner or co workers.
Some angry individuals may use a weapon against the victim (s), pull their hair,
and publicly humiliate the victim. This is the time when the victim may
call the police, fight back and leave the relationship.
Once the cycle is in place it becomes difficult to break. Visually, the cycle shows the different stages and the roles that the abuser takes in each stage; it is imperative that the abuser “watch” his/her thoughts, emotions, ruminations and body physical manifestations of stress, pressure and ruminations. The participant must take interventions between the Green Light Stage of the Stop Light and the Yellow Light Stage so that an event of anger
does not take place and they can maintain control of themselves, their thoughts, emotions and physical well being.
For more anger management training or counseling, contact Dr.Kathie Mathis at www.drkathiemathis.com