Resentment

Resentment (also called ranklement or bitterness) is a complex, multilayered emotion[1] that has been described as a mixture of disappointment, disgust and anger.

[2] Other psychologists consider it a mood[3] or as a secondary emotion (including cognitive elements) that can be elicited in the face of insult or injury.

Resentment can result from a variety of situations involving a perceived wrongdoing from an individual, which are often sparked by expressions of injustice or humiliation.

[5] Resentment can also develop, and be maintained by: focusing on past grievances (i.e. disturbing memories of hurtful experiences) continuously,[3] or by trying to justify the emotion (i.e. with additional thoughts/feelings).

[11] Resentment, when it is unhealthy, can come in the form of: hostile anger with a retaliation motive (i.e. fantasizing about putting someone down, devaluing, or paying someone back for a perceived injury),[3] time duration (which can go on for days, weeks, or even years),[3] or when too many resentments are held;[9] Thus, draining resources, creating stress, and draining positive emotions.

However, physical expressions associated with related emotions such as anger and envy may be exhibited, such as furrowed brows or bared teeth.

It can also be diagnosed through the appearance of agitation- or dejection-related emotions, such as feeling inexplicably depressed or despondent, becoming angry for no apparent reason, or having nightmares or disturbing daydreams about a person.

It can also have more long-term effects, such as the development of a hostile, cynical, sarcastic attitude that may become a barrier against other healthy relationships; lack of personal and emotional growth; difficulty in self-disclosure; trouble trusting others; loss of self-confidence; and overcompensation.

[3] Such long-lasting resentment can also cause destruction of T cells (lowering the immune system), hypertension (which increases the threat of stroke and heart attack), cancer, (drug) addictions, depression, and shortened life span.

By contrast, spite is exclusively externalized, involving vindictive actions against a (perceived or actual) source of wrong.

An important feature of acting on resentment is that it is against something (i.e. unfairness, injustice, abuse, situations that threaten values or well-being).

Resentment is cited as having infected the structure of social value, and is thus a regular catalyst in conflicts sparked by inequality.