The study dispels the myth that venting helps relieve this emotion
Many people believe that yelling, swearing, running away, or hitting pillows helps them release aggression and calm down in intense angry situations. But recent research indicates that these strategies are not effective.
Researchers at Ohio State University analyzed more than 150 studies, involving more than 10,000 participants, to find out what really works to reduce anger. Contrary to popular opinion, the results showed that venting does not help people feel less irritable because it increases physiological arousal.
In an interview with Newsweek, researcher Sophie Kjærvik, who conducted the research at Virginia Commonwealth University, explains that physiological arousal means increased heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, muscle tension, etc. These responses prepare the body for action.
“When people feel angry, their body goes through physiological changes as part of the fight-or-flight response. In other words, the body prepares to face the perceived threat. For example, muscle tension prepares the body for movement, allowing rapid and assertive movements. reactions.”
Breathing and counting is better
According to researchers, the key to feeling calmer and less irritable is exactly the opposite: reducing physiological arousal. Instead of venting, stress-reduction techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, and counting to 10, help reduce anger.
“Catharsis theory suggests that letting out anger can provide a release of pent-up emotions. However, venting can temporarily reduce tension and provide a sense of satisfaction, leading to greater arousal,” Kjærvik said. “Expressing anger (hitting and kicking, for example) also involves physical actions that help increase arousal in the body.”
Activities like running, swimming, and hitting a doll or punching bag, when used to dispel anger, make things worse precisely because they increase arousal, which, in turn, helps reinforce feelings of frustration, the study found.
However, researchers have found that adding an element of fun to physical activity, such as ball sports, can help reduce arousal.
Destroying objects doesn’t help
The review is inspired by the growing popularity of so-called “rage rooms”, where people can vent their anger by destroying objects.
“I think it’s really important to dispel the myth that if you’re angry you should let it out, let it out,” said senior author Brad Bushman, a communications professor at Ohio State University. “Venting anger may seem like a good idea, but there isn’t a shred of scientific evidence to support the catharsis theory.”
A 2013 study published in Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology they found that people who acted aggressively after being provoked felt better immediately afterwards. However, this catharsis was short-lived and they were more likely to respond aggressively to the next episode of anger.
In the present study, arousal-reducing activities were found to be more effective in suppressing anger. For example, relaxation, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and “taking a break” were the most successful strategies for decreasing anger in college students, nonstudents, and people with or without criminal records.
The complete results of the research have been published in the journal Clinical psychology review.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
