Myth 1: "Anger is inherited."
Fact: There is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Research shows that anger is not inherited but learned. Suppose we have learned to express anger violently through exposure to aggressive role models, such as parents. In that case, we can also learn healthier, more appropriate, and socially constructive ways to manage it.

Myth 2: "Anger and aggression are the same thing."
Fact: Anger is an emotional state, while aggression is a behaviour that may sometimes occur in response to anger. A person can feel angry yet choose healthy ways to express it without resorting to violence, threats, or other aggressive behaviours. In fact, many experts assert that most daily anger does not result in aggression.

Myth 3: "Other people make me angry."
Fact: It's common to hear phrases like "He made me so angry!" or "You make me so mad I could murder you!" However, this mindset allows the angry person to use anger as an excuse for unacceptable behaviour. Ultimately, it is not the other person's actions or words that cause our anger but rather our interpretation and thought process regarding their intentions.

Myth 4: "I shouldn't hold anger in; it's better to let it out" (through venting or catharsis).
Fact: Blowing up in an aggressive outburst only reinforces problematic anger, fuelling the fire rather than extinguishing it. Regarding catharsis techniques like pillow-punching, research shows that while we might feel temporary relief after hitting something, this behaviour can create a habit where the brain suggests violence as a solution the next time we're angry. Over time, this could lead to more harmful actions.

Myth 5: "Anger, aggression, and intimidation help me earn respect and get what I want."
Fact: While people may fear a bully, they do not respect those who cannot control themselves or engage constructively with opposing viewpoints. Respectful communication is a far superior way to get people to listen and address your needs. Although intimidation might yield temporary power, it does not foster healthy relationships.

Myth 6: Anger affects only certain types of people.
Fact: Anger is a universal emotion that affects everyone, regardless of age, nationality, race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, education, or religion. It does not discriminate.

Myth 7: "I can't help myself. Anger isn't something you can control."
Fact: While we cannot always control the situations we face, some of which may trigger anger, we can learn to manage our responses more effectively. Even in highly provocative situations, we have the ability to choose how we react.

Myth 8: "When I'm angry, I say what I really mean."
Fact: This is rarely true. Uncontrolled expressions of anger are often more about trying to control or hurt others than about expressing one's deepest truth.

Myth 9: "By not saying what I'm thinking in the moment, I'm being dishonest and will be even angrier later."
Fact: The urge to "speak our mind" when angry is strong, but it's also when our judgement is most impaired. The impulsive part of the brain (the amygdala) tends to overpower the rational part (the prefrontal cortex). It's better for relationships, careers, and everything else to wait until the rational brain can regain control before speaking.

Myth 10: "Men are angrier than women."
Fact: Research shows that men and women experience anger at similar levels. However, they often express it differently. Men tend to use more direct, aggressive tactics, while women may choose indirect methods, such as passive-aggressive behaviours. This might include actions like talking negatively about someone behind their back or cutting them out of their lives.

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