Abstract

Recent studies have revealed that anger is an important psychological factor to cardiovascular diseases, the most leading cause of death in Korea. In order to understand the role of anger in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of detrimental diseases such as cardiovascular disease, an attempt was made to unravel the nature of anger based on a control theory. To begin with, the rationale on why we need to study anger was provided. Then, an overview of a control theory was provided; first with a simple control system, then with a more complex human control system. With this background knowledge, the basic nature of anger was analyzed from a control theoretical perspective: generation, direction, intensity, type, and mixed emotions. The current model of anger was then compared with Higgins(1987). Finally, conclusions and implications of the present model are discussed.