If you struggle with anger, you may have a higher likelihood of facing assault allegations. Some people seem to have limitless patience; others have a shorter temper and difficulty controlling their impulses. According to the Guardian, scientists believe there may be various explanations for anger.

Anger is part of the human instinct to enforce social norms, fight off threats and defend resources. Throughout the day, you subconsciously weigh your expectations for different situations. When your expectations do not match what happens, an alarm goes off your brain’s reward system.

What factors influence your anger tolerance?

There are a lot of factors that can influence a person’s anger tolerance. Both men and women feel motivated by anger on an equal basis, but the main difference is men have a lower likelihood to control the initial impulse. On average, the orbital frontal cortex controls aggressive impulses, and men have a smaller orbital frontal cortex than women. Societal expectations may also explain the gender difference.

Mental health conditions affect the balance between your brain’s regions. Those who have exposure to aggression at an early age may experience cognitive changes. They may have difficulty telling the difference between trustworthy and untrustworthy people.

How does anger influence how you think?

Anger may influence you to make more risky decisions. When angry, you may become more impulsive and less likely to think about the adverse outcomes of your actions. Additionally, you may become wary of outsiders. You may find yourself blaming people’s actions on their personality rather than the circumstance. Often, anger causes people to look for someone to blame. You may catch yourself looking to others and becoming more enraged.

If you constantly feel under threat, you are more likely to react with aggression.