Egodystonic Aggression
« Back to Glossary IndexEgodystonic aggression are thoughts, feelings, or impulses to act aggressively in a way that’s inconsistent with our sense of self, values, and goals. For example, experiencing intrusive thoughts about harming a loved one, even though we would never want to do such a thing, but worrying that we might secretly be a dangerous person. Egodystonic aggression is a distressing experience, often a symptom of conditions like harm OCD or other forms of anxiety and depression. We feel anguish and guilt over these unwelcome thoughts, rather than identifying with them as a true part of ourselves. Also see Egosyntonic. Characteristics:
- Repugnant thoughts and aggressive impulses feel foreign, wrong, and disturbing
- Inconsistent with self, with thoughts eliciting feelings of anxiety and distressed
- Resistance or trying suppress thoughts, which can ironically increase their intensity
- Impaired functioning in daily life, causing preoccupation and difficulty in relationships or responsibilities.
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