In the 21st century global economy, anger has become a major personal, family, organizational, institutional, and societal challenge, among others. Anger management involves change, including the acquisition of information about self and the environment.
My recently published new book, “Why Are You So Angry” (2026), is an Adult Workbook which includes several scenarios on how to handle conflict resolution, specifically, Anger and Anger Management. It is also an opportunity to “color” how you feel.
The initial step in anger management is to acknowledge that one needs to change, as many individuals respond that they do not have a problem, and it is someone else’s fault or responsibility. These individuals are in denial, an attitude that can be a major barrier to the process of change, specifically, anger management and conflict resolution. Other major barriers and obstacles can be low self-concept and/or low self-esteem.
Self-Concept is how one Perceives oneself; and Self-Esteem is how one Feels about oneself.
Change will not occur without motivation; and individuals change when there is motivation to change, consequences, and when they have a cursory understanding of who they are. In my anger management program, I initially focus on self-assessment, with an emphasis on Self-Concept and Self-Esteem, as these are, I believe, the integral components and foundation of an Anger Management Program.
SELF-ASSESSMENT
To begin the Self-Assessment process, I ask individuals, families, groups, organizations, and institutions to examine the Self as it relates to my Model of the Six (6) Areas of the Self-Concept & Self-Esteem, which I conceptualized several years ago, and modified from my research (Fitts & Warren, 1996, 1964).
- Personal Self-Concept & Self-Esteem;
- Physical Self-Concept & Self-Esteem;
- Family Self-Concept & Self-Esteem;
- Social & Community Self-Concept & Self-Esteem;
- Academic/Work/Professional/Financial Self-Concept & Self-Esteem; and
- Moral/Ethical/Spiritual Self-Concept & Self-Esteem.
BARRIERS & OBSTACLES
Barriers and obstacles prevent us from getting what we want, doing what we want, and achieving our goals, among others (Coleman & Barker, 1992, 1991).
Barriers and Obstacles can be Internal or External:
Coleman, cont’d.
Internal Barriers and Obstacles are those within us and are easier to identify and control, such as low self-concept, low self-esteem, lack of confidence, or fear.
External Barriers and Obstacles are those outside of us, not easy to identify and control (if ever), and related to the environment, including the global economy.
Internal Barriers & Obstacles:
- Lack of Confidence
- Frustration, Fear, Anxiety, or Mental Disorder
- Low Self-Concept and/or Low Self-Esteem
- Lack of Specific Skills, Abilities
- Lack of Understanding of Relationship between Individuals and Health
- Cultural Expectations
External Barriers & Obstacles:
- Global Economy
- Lack of Opportunity
- Health Care Crisis and Limitations
- Stereotypes and Discrimination
- Local Economy & Environment
- Cultural Implications
By conducting an in-depth assessment and evaluation of the Self, individuals have a better understanding of who they are, including issues, barriers, obstacles, and challenges related to anger, anger management, and conflict resolution, to name a few.
For additional information on my book, “Why Are You So Angry”, the Anger Management Program, or Behavioral Health Services, feel free to contact me.
REFERENCES
Coleman, V.D. (2008, 1992). Six Areas of Self-Concept & Self-Esteem. Unpublished Manuscript.
Coleman, V.D. (2008). A model of career development: 21st century applications. Australian
Career Practitioner, Spring, 19, 19-20.
Coleman, V.D. (2026). Why are you so angry? Las Vegas, NV: The Coleman Group PLLC.
Coleman, V.D. & Barker, S.A. (1992). A model of career development for a multicultural workforce. International Journal for the Advancement of Counseling, 15, 187-195.
Coleman, V.D. & Barker, S.A. (1991). Barriers to the career development of multicultural populations. Educational and Vocational Guidance, 52, 25-29.
Coleman, V.D. (2023). Dare to Care: Focus on Self-Care, 1st. In Weihman, M.R. Dare to Care: Healthcare Superheroes Share Stories of Resilience, Hope & Inspiration.
ISBN-13 979-8988427803.
Fitts, W. (1964). Tennessee Self-Concept Scale (TSCS). Los Angeles, CA: Western Psychological Services.
Fitts, W. & Warren, W.L. (1996). Tennessee Self-Concept Scale 2nd Edition (TSCS-2). Los CA: Western Psychological Services.
Giles, A. & Ventura-Rozen, Galit. (2021). Be Your Own Superhero. In the Everyday Woman’s Guide to Doing What You Love. Heart Centered Women Publishing (HeartCenteredWomenPublishing.com)
Porter, H. (2018). 40/40 Rules: Wisdom from 40 Women over 40, Volume II. Washington, Utah: Prosperity Publishing.
Super, D.E., Starishevsky, R., Matlin, N., & Jordaan, J.P. (1963). Career development: Self-Concept theory. Essays in vocational development. New York, New York: College Entrance Examination Board.
Dr. Vicki D. Coleman is a former Tenured Professor at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN, and a best-selling author. She has held positions at the State University of New York, Educational Testing Service, and American Airlines. Dr. Coleman is an internationally recognized behavioral health clinician, and functional and integrative medicine expert.
Dr. Coleman earned a Bachelor’s in Political Science and a Master’s in U.S. & Latin American History from The University of Iowa; a Master’s in Counselor Education from Northern Illinois University; and a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ.
Dr. Vicki D. Coleman
The Coleman Group PLLC
The Anger Doctor
702-524-0223 (cell)
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