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Anger: The HOT Response

The HOT (Aggressive) Response to Bullying

Aggressive or "HOT" responses to bullying usually involve fighting back or responding in kind. Aggressive responses include:

Looking HOT

Threatening demeanor involves:

  1. Head up.
  2. Glaring stare, too much eye contact.
  3. Tense posture, clenched fists, tight muscles.
  4. Angry, challenging facial expressions.

Thinking HOT

"Other-blaming Perceiving Style “with statements like:

  1. It's all their fault."
  2. "If I’m calm, they won't listen to me
  3. "If I don't get mad and fight back, they’ll get what they want"
  4. "Others will think I'm a sissy if l don't fight back.
  5. “Go ahead make my day. I’ll get even”.

Acting HOT

Behavior that attacks, belittles, subjects, controls or defeats someone, such as:

  1. Arguing denying or not listening
  2. Speaking with elevated voice volume, yelling.
  3. Speaking with hostile voice tone.
  4. Making derogatory or threatening statements, swearing.
  5. Hitting, throwing or breaking things.
(See “
(See “Appendix” for full page version of icons for use in the classroom.)

Drawbacks of the HOT (Aggressive) Response

Drawbacks of aggressive responses to anger include increased anger or retaliation from the angry person; not learning from experience; feelings of anger at self; and punishment from authority figures. Some satisfaction may be felt over the initial release of stress; However, the conflict is generally compounded by a HOT response and long-term goals are even less likely to be met.