Anger Management Test

A Brief Anger Management Test for Expectant Fathers

Ahead you will find an anger management test geared especially to those who are expecting to soon be fathers.  This may seem like a strange formulation for an anger management test but the period of transition between having only yourself to look out for and the new role of fatherhood can be a particularly stressful one.  Many of the underlying expectations about manhood combined with decreased attention we get as males during the period of pregnancy can really lead to some problems if not managed properly.

Therefore, here is a very brief anger management test to assess whether you may have an anger issue that bears further looking into.

  1. When your partner asks you to do something like paint the baby’s room or build the baby’s crib in preparation for the big day, how do you feel?
    1. You are happy to do it; in fact, you have already been thinking about what the baby needs.
    2. You’re okay with it; you do it the next day.
    3. You feel put upon, say you will do it, but then don’t really get around to it until nagged into it.
    4. You express or want to express your unhappiness with having yet another task to perform on top of your financial responsibilities.
  1. When you first found out that your partner was pregnant, you felt
    1. Overjoyed!
    2. Scared by the responsibility.
    3. Nothing.
    4. Suspicious or unhappy about the timing or of your paternity.
  1. Since finding out that you will be a father have your friends and coworkers
    1. said you seem happier than you ever have before
    2. asked you if you are worried about the pregnancy
    3. not really talked to you much about the pregnancy
    4. asked you if something is bothering you or acted as if you are stressed out
  2. Would you say your relationship with the woman who will soon give birth to your child is
    1. Better than ever before.
    2. Normal.  You love her; she loves you.
    3. Strained; you are both feeling the pressure.
    4. About as bad as it has been; you argue about virtually everything.

Now give yourself 0 points for every A, two for B, three for C, and five for D.

If you scored 14 or higher on your anger management test, you definitely are having problems coping with the pregnancy and may have set the groundwork for very strong anger issues.

If you scored 10 or higher, however, you may still have the beginnings of anger issues; you might want to examine further.

If you scored lower than 10, you are doing okay.

Normal Feelings When Fatherhood is Approaching

It is only natural to feel certain ambiguous feelings as you prepare for fatherhood.  You may even have fantasies of leaving all your responsibilities behind and returning to your less complicated single life.  However, if you find that the pressures of approaching fatherhood are causing you to blow up far more than usual, or to feel particularly alienated or disconnected, then this may be the sign of something more significant.

A History of Anger Issues

If you have had problems dealing with your temper in the past, you should consider this a red flag when it comes to the anger issues you may be feeling right how. 

Even if you do not have a history of anger issues, sometimes the transition to being a father can really bring up memories and emotions from our deep past that can form the fuel for extreme reactions.  If this is the case for you, look for help.

Finally, if you just have a bad feeling about things in general, you may want to find a qualified counselor, like a psychologist or a holy person to discuss your problems.  Not only do your deserve it, your child does as well.