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Verified Psychologist
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- May 17, 2018
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From "Psychology Today": "Anger is inaccurately considered by some psychotherapists to be a secondary rather than primary emotion." It explains why some people think this. Then, the article goes on to state that: "In my view, it is a grave error to dismiss anger or rage as secondary and therefore less significant emotions than fear, shame, anxiety or love in the psychotherapy process. Anger is a primary emotion that tends to be repressed in most patients."
The Primacy of Anger Problems
It short, it can be considered a secondary reaction but that's not the rule. Each case must be considered on its own merits.
Verified psychologist here. While Psychology Today is not a great source for psychological science, this is accurate. The primary emotions are generally regarded as happiness, sadness, fear, anger, and surprise. (Behind on the thread, not sure if anyone else has chimed in here).