Anger management: Science challenges the effectiveness of venting emotions

Scientific research and communication experts are challenging common misconceptions regarding anger management and emotional regulation.

A large-scale analysis conducted by researchers at Ohio State University, which reviewed 154 studies involving over 10,000 participants, suggests that the popular theory of catharsis—the idea that venting anger through shouting or physical outbursts helps release tension—is largely unsupported. Instead, activities that increase physiological arousal, such as hitting objects or intense physical exertion, may actually maintain or heighten feelings of anger by keeping the body in a state of high excitement.

In social contexts, communication expert Jefferson Fisher suggests specific ways to handle the frustrating directive to ‘calm down.’ Rather than reacting with immediate defensiveness, Fisher recommends asking for clarification, such as, ‘Do you want me to calm down or be quiet?’ to determine if the speaker is attempting to help or simply trying to end an uncomfortable conversation. Alternatively, setting a direct boundary by stating that one will decide when they are ready to calm down can prevent others from dictating emotional responses.