Venting Doesn't Reduce Anger, But Something Else Does, Review Finds
ScienceAlert • • health
Key Points:
- A 2024 meta-analysis of 154 studies by Ohio State University researchers found no scientific evidence supporting the idea that venting anger helps reduce it; in some cases, venting may increase anger.
- The study emphasizes that reducing physiological arousal through calming activities like slow-flow yoga, mindfulness, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing is more effective at curbing anger than arousal-increasing activities such as jogging or boxing.
- Physical exertion that increases arousal, including popular anger-release methods like rage rooms or running, may be counterproductive, while enjoyable activities involving play may help reduce anger by lowering arousal levels.
- Reflection and emotional validation are important for understanding and processing anger, but venting often leads to rumination rather than resolution
