Does Venting Make You Less Angry? Here's What an Expert Says

Many people vent their anger by screaming, crying, throwing or breaking things, and other activities. But does venting really work?

Does Venting Help Reduce Anger?

Researchers at The Ohio State University examined over 150 studies with more than 10,000 individuals to determine the most effective strategies for reducing anger. Contrary to popular belief, the results showed that venting did not reduce anger since it raised physiological arousal.

Sophie Kjærvik, a postdoctoral fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University who led the study, explained that the catharsis theory suggests that expressing anger can help release suppressed feelings. Although letting out anger can release tension and give a temporary sense of fulfillment, itcan raise arousal. Physical acts to vent anger, such as punching and kicking, also raise body arousal. The expert noted that anything that raises body arousal doesn't help reduce anger.

Elevations in heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, muscle tension, and other related parameters indicate heightened physiological arousal. These reactions equip people to act by preparing their bodies for action.

People experience physiological changes in response to anger, which are part of the flight-or-fight response. Stated differently, the body is getting ready to face the imagined threat. For instance, tense muscles prime the body for action, allowing forceful and swift responses.

Instead of venting anger, she suggested focusing on calming down. Reducing physiological arousal is the key to feeling more at ease and less irate. Rather than letting out steam, stress-reduction methods such as deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and counting to 10 helped lessen anger.

Apparently, expressing anger through physical acts strengthens the brain pathways associated with anger and makes it simpler for you to be all the more furious. Research on verbal or online anger venting has likewise generally shown ineffective.

Why People Vent To Their Pals?

Aside from acting out their anger, many vent their issues to their close pals or family members. Many do this because opening up emotions to others brings us closer to them and gives us a sense of community, all of which help us feel less stressed.

Venting out to other people makes one feel seen, understood, and supported, especially when the people show sympathy.

"We want to connect with other people who can help validate what we're going through, and venting really does a pretty good job at fulfilling that need," said researcher Ethan Kross, author of the book "Chatter." "It feels good to know there's someone there to rely on who cares enough to take time to listen."

By talking about our feelings, we can learn more about what's triggering them and avoid being upset again. Just talking to someone about what's upsetting us might sometimes assist in defining the issue and identifying the associated feelings. Alternatively, when engulfed in emotional tornadoes, our confidants can give fresh viewpoints and wise counsel.

Kross warned that venting only feels good briefly because of its connection. However, if one only vents and doesn't address the cognitive needs, the person might not get through the problem. Also, listening to others' empathy could inadvertently extend one's emotional upset.

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