Inventing Rage- Tracing the Historical Roots of this Intense Emotional Response
When was rage emotion invented?
The concept of rage as an emotional state has been a part of human experience for as long as humans have existed. However, the formal recognition and categorization of rage as an emotion in the field of psychology is a relatively recent development. This article explores the history of rage emotion, its invention, and its significance in understanding human behavior and mental health.
The origins of the term “rage” can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was often associated with divine or supernatural forces. In Greek mythology, for instance, the goddess Hera was known for her intense rage, which was often depicted as a form of madness. Similarly, in ancient Egyptian mythology, the god Seth was associated with chaos and rage.
In the field of psychology, the concept of rage as an emotion began to take shape in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, was one of the first psychologists to recognize rage as a distinct emotional state. In his work, “The Ego and the Id,” Freud described rage as a primitive emotion that arises from the id, the part of the psyche that is driven by instinctual desires and is characterized by the pleasure principle.
However, it was not until the mid-20th century that rage began to be widely recognized as a significant emotional response. This recognition was largely due to the work of psychologists such as John Dollard and Neal E. Miller, who conducted experiments on the physiological and psychological aspects of rage. Their research demonstrated that rage is a complex emotional state that involves both physiological and psychological components.
In 1962, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) officially recognized rage as a distinct emotional disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This recognition marked a significant milestone in the scientific understanding of rage as an emotion. Since then, numerous studies have been conducted to explore the causes, consequences, and treatment of rage.
The invention of rage as an emotional category has had a profound impact on our understanding of human behavior and mental health. It has helped us to recognize that rage is a normal and natural emotional response that can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, trauma, and interpersonal conflicts. By understanding the roots of rage, we can develop more effective strategies for managing and treating it.
In conclusion, while the concept of rage as an emotional state has been a part of human experience for millennia, its formal recognition and categorization in psychology is a relatively recent development. The invention of rage as an emotional category has provided valuable insights into human behavior and mental health, and has helped us to develop more effective strategies for managing and treating this complex emotional response.
