Which action is least likely to be effective when you are dealing with intense anger?

• A. Talking to a trusted friend about your feelings
• B. Taking deep breaths and counting to ten before responding
• C. Suppressing your feelings and refusing to acknowledge your anger
• D. Engaging in physical activity to release tension

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of intense anger and its common management strategies. Recognize that effective anger management involves acknowledging and expressing feelings in a healthy way rather than ignoring or suppressing them.
2. Step 2: Evaluate each action option based on psychological principles. Talking to a trusted friend helps process emotions and gain perspective, which is generally effective.
3. Step 3: Consider the technique of taking deep breaths and counting to ten. This is a well-known method to calm physiological arousal and prevent impulsive reactions, making it effective.
4. Step 4: Reflect on engaging in physical activity. Exercise can help release built-up tension and reduce stress hormones, which is beneficial for managing anger.
5. Step 5: Analyze suppressing feelings and refusing to acknowledge anger. Psychological research shows that suppression often leads to increased stress and can worsen emotional problems, making it the least effective strategy.