Blow-Ups and Rages

Gr 7 Up—Five diverse teens discuss their individual moments of extreme anger. Jeffrey describes missing the winning basket in a championship game and banging his head with his fists, shouting obscenities, and trash-talking players on the opposing team. Jetaime talks about her rage when she encountered a group of girls taunting her younger cousin at the swimming pool and the resulting fight. Alexa and Beryl both experienced anger in their relationships with parents. Zyron discusses his habit of turning anger inward, denying himself food, and becoming depressed. Robin Goodman, a clinical psychologist, explains that while anger is a natural reaction, it can become problematic when it makes an individual act out aggressively or turn against oneself. She discusses sources of anger and prescribes expressing it in constructive ways like exercising and pursuing other activities. Interspersed with Goodman's advice, the teens talk about the negative results of their anger like embarrassing themselves, alienating others, and incurring physical injuries. They also discuss receiving counseling and describe their coping mechanisms. The program ends with encouraging words from each teen. When the teens speak, the scene alternates between them and reenactments of their situations, adding interest for viewers. Teens will relate easily to this realistic, well-produced, instructive program.—Constance Dickerson, Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library, OH