Why Is Anger A Secondary Emotion?
Because we frequently use anger to shield or mask more sensitive emotions, anger is commonly referred to as a secondary emotion. What we feel just before we experience anger is directed to us as a primary sensation. Almost always, we experience another emotion before being furious.
At first, we could feel threatened, under assault, insulted, disrespected, compelled, imprisoned, or under pressure. We classify any of these emotions as anger if they are strong enough.