Letting out anger when you’re “fuming” may seem reasonable, but new research suggests that venting does not calm us down and can sometimes make us angrier.
A research team at Ohio State University has analyzed 154 studies on anger and found that there is very little evidence that venting can help relieve anger. In some cases, it may even increase feelings of anger.
Yoga can help reduce anger – (Photo: AFP).
“I think it is really important to dispel the myth that if you are angry, you should vent your anger. Venting sounds like a good idea, but there is no scientific evidence to support this hypothesis,” said Brad Bushman, one of the study’s authors, as reported by ScienceAlert.
This does not mean that we should ignore feelings of anger. Reflection can help us understand why we are feeling “furious,” allowing us to address underlying issues.
It can also aid in acknowledging emotions – a crucial first step in managing emotions healthily. Meanwhile, venting often goes beyond reflection (which has a positive thinking aspect) and turns into rumination (which has a negative thinking aspect).
A total of 10,189 participants took part in the 154 studies on anger mentioned above. They represented various ages, genders, cultures, and ethnicities.
The research team found that the key to managing anger is to reduce the physiological arousal caused by the anger itself or through other beneficial physical activities that can help decrease agitation.
Bushman noted that running while angry is not an effective strategy for reducing agitation. Effective calming activities include yoga, meditation, stretching, deep breathing, grounding techniques, counting to 10, ball sports, and playful activities.
The study was inspired by the concept of a “rage room,” where people pay to smash objects in hopes of releasing their anger. The research team recommends that instead of venting, people should look for ways to reduce their anger using the effective strategies mentioned above.
