THE EFFECTS OF EARLY PROHIBITIONS ON THE EXPERESSING OF AUTHENTIC ANGER: A TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The article explores the problem of difficulties in expressing authentic anger, which is often interpreted as a manifestation of alexithymia but may have deeper roots in early developmental scenarios. The application of transactional analysis as a theoretical framework allows for the interpretation of anger suppression not as neuropsychological “emotional blindness”, but as the result of internal prohibitions acquired in early childhood. Particular attention is paid to Pamela Levin's model of personality development stages, according to which the «Being» stage (0–6 months) is critical for the formation of emotional safety, basic trust in the world, and the capacity for self-regulation. In cases where emotional expressions are rejected by significant adults during this period, deep-seated prohibitions on anger as a form of emotional self-expression may develop. An empirical study involving 120 respondents participating in therapy groups focused on emotional self-regulation showed that the majority of participants had a low level of alexithymia but demonstrated a high level of emotional suppression. Statistical analysis revealed a weak but significant correlation between alexithymia and emotional suppression, suggesting that difficulties in expressing anger are more often rooted not in affective deficits but in acquired internal prohibitions on emotional expression. The findings have important implications for psychotherapeutic practice, particularly in addressing early scenarios, emotional authenticity, and the development of the capacity for safe and constructive anger expression.