Boiling Point: The High Cost of Unhealthy Anger to Individuals and Society [Paperback]

Jane Middelton-Moz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 1999

From schoolyard shootings to road rage, unhealthy expressions of anger shout at us from the headlines. These are not random acts of violence, but allude to a more profound and deeply rooted problem. With families scattered from coast-to-coast, cozy neighborhoods replaced by impersonal suburban housing developments and intimate conversations forfeited for Internet chat rooms, Americans have lost their sense of connection and community. In this groundbreaking book, noted psychotherapist Jane Middleton-Moz shows us how the resultant psychological, spiritual and cultural imbalances manifest unhealthy anger, including violence, substance abuse, depression and chronic illness. Through revealing case studies from her practice and examples from her own life, Middleton-Moz shows readers how to recognize anger's warning signals-often disguised in other forms-and provides them with concrete steps to stop the destructive patterns that wound relationships and threaten to unravel our society. When properly expressed, anger is a healthy emotion that provides a sign that something is wrong, helps us set clear emotional and physical boundaries and acts as a catalyst for personal and societal change. By encouraging awareness and accountability, Boiling Point shows us how to develop balance in our lives and the ability to express anger in healthy ways for optimum personal growth.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The lingering debate over whether anger should be expressed or repressed is given a new twist by the author of Shame and Guilt (Health Communications, 1990). Middleton-Moz covers various anger-related pathologies like depression, physical illness, self-righteousness and fanaticism, passive aggression, and violence, dispensing useful advice to both the angry person and his or her victim. "Composite" case studies and moving accounts from the author's own life help the reader identify particular problems and anger "triggers." Middleton-Moz ventures beyond simple self-help formulas; no particular treatment methods for rage are espoused, though she suggests that a combination of psychological, environmental, and biochemical approaches are most effective for dealing with depressive reactions. She also delves into the roots of anger, touching on issues ranging from road rage to children's views of violence to a psychohistory of Adolf Hitler. This popularly written title is an optional but intriguing purchase for public libraries.AAntoinette Brinkman, Southwest Indiana Mental Health Ctr. Lib., Evansville
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Jane Middelton-Moz is a therapist who speaks internationally on the topics of multigenerational grief and trauma, and cultural and ethnic self-hate. She has over 20 years experience in community mental health work, including a position as clinical director of the largest mental health organization in western Washington. A long time HCI author, Middleton-Moz travels nearly half the years and will be available for book signings around the country. Most of Middelton-Moz's workshops are attended by 300 to 400 people, and she often speaks to groups of 3,000 to 4,000. She has appeared on national radio and television shows, including Oprah. She is the author of After the Tears, Growing in the Shadows, Children of Trauma and Shame and Guilt.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: HCI (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558746676
• ISBN-13: 978-1558746671
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #896,289 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very insightful, would recomened, March 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Boiling Point: The High Cost of Unhealthy Anger to Individuals and Society (Paperback)

As a cab driver I found this very illuminating, I understand my self as well as my passangers much better. I understand my rage and predjudices.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended for High School students, August 8, 2008

By 

Markus Youssef (Toronto) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Boiling Point: The High Cost of Unhealthy Anger to Individuals and Society (Paperback)

I agree with the cab driver. Many helpful aspects of anger are touched upon and very clearly presented including:

- the various "sideways" expressions of anger (passive aggressiveness) including, lateness, teeth grinding, and whining

- how depression is the result of unexpressed/interrupted grief

- how oppressors/survivalists "divide and control" by pitting people against each other causing "lateral/horizontal" damage

Interesting quotes from children include (ex: People are violent because they don't understand each other; they don't handle things with words; they feel bad about themselves, etc..)

An Alderian exercise is included [draw an early memory of shame and fill in the blacks: That day I learned I am _____, Life is _____, etc]

With its dramatic title, visual aids on the physiology of stress and fun metaphorical examples, this would make an excellent social studies high school text. I wish I knew this stuff back then.

"All men should strive to learn before they die - what they are running from, and to, and why." James Thurber (opening quote for Chap 6)

5.0 out of 5 stars Bioling point: The High Cost of Unhealthy Anger to Indivdual and Society, September 28, 2010

By 

cat.peppard - See all my reviews

This review is from: Boiling Point: The High Cost of Unhealthy Anger to Individuals and Society (Paperback)

This book is a good resource anyone dealing with issues of anger and mental health providers who work with a client who will not fully acknowledge the level of their anger. The book covers the way different way we try to hide your anger.