People may do things out of anger and later regret their actions for several reasons:
Loss of Rationality: When a person becomes angry, their emotional state can overwhelm their ability to think rationally and make sound decisions. Anger can cloud judgment and impair impulse control, leading to impulsive actions that one might later regret.
Escalation of Emotions: Anger is a powerful emotion that can escalate quickly. Once triggered, it can lead to a cascade of other intense emotions like frustration, resentment, and even aggression. In the heat of the moment, people may act on these emotions without considering the consequences.
Lack of Empathy: Anger can create a self-focused state where individuals may be less empathetic toward others. This reduced empathy can lead to actions that disregard the feelings and perspectives of others, resulting in behaviors that are hurtful or harmful.
Social Norms: Society generally discourages aggressive or destructive behavior, even when angry. People may act impulsively in the moment due to anger but later regret their actions upon reflecting on the social norms and expectations.
Guilt and Shame: After the initial surge of anger subsides, individuals may experience feelings of guilt and shame for their actions. They might realize that their behavior was inappropriate, hurtful, or harmful, which can lead to regret and remorse.
Consequences: Acting out of anger can often lead to negative consequences, such as damaging relationships, hurting others emotionally or physically, or getting into trouble with authorities. Regret may stem from the realization of these repercussions.
Self-Reflection: Once the anger has passed, people may reflect on their actions and recognize that their behavior was not in line with their values or ideals. This introspection can lead to feelings of regret for not living up to their own standards.
Desire for Reconciliation: In many cases, people regret their actions out of a desire to restore harmony in their relationships. They may want to repair the damage caused by their anger and seek forgiveness from those they've hurt.
It's important to note that feeling anger is a natural human emotion, and it is not inherently wrong to experience it. However, it is essential to recognize and manage anger in a healthy way to avoid impulsive and regrettable actions. Techniques like taking a step back to cool off, practicing deep breathing or mindfulness, and seeking support from friends, family, or professionals can help individuals respond to anger more constructively and reduce the likelihood of regrettable behavior.