Study finds physical activities like jogging not effective in reducing anger. Instead, try deep breathing, mindfulness, yoga.Researchers suggest activities to decrease anger: Deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation & yoga found to be most effective.. Credit: newatlas.com

According to a recent study, trying to blow off steam by engaging in activities like jogging or hitting a punching bag may not be the most effective way to reduce anger.

Instead, researchers suggest engaging in activities that decrease physical arousal.

Anger is a common emotion that many people struggle with, especially in today's world where there are numerous stressors. In fact, a poll conducted by Gallup found that Americans were angrier in 2018 compared to previous years, even before the COVID pandemic.

When it comes to managing anger, there are generally two approaches: engaging in activities that increase physical arousal, also known as blowing off steam, and engaging in activities that decrease arousal. In a study conducted by researchers at Ohio State University (OSU), 154 studies were analyzed to determine the most effective way to reduce anger.

The concept of 'catharsis' in psychoanalytic theory refers to the release of pent-up emotions through physical and verbal expressions. The term comes from the Greek word for 'purification' or 'cleansing' and has been around since Aristotle's time, but was popularized by Sigmund Freud as a way to release negative emotions and traumatic memories.

The studies included participants from different genders, ages, races, and cultures, and were analyzed based on the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory. This theory suggests that emotions, including anger, consist of two factors: physiological arousal and a cognitive label. In other words, the mind first responds to a stimulus with a physiological response, which is then identified or labeled as an emotion.

While previous studies have focused on using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to change a person's thoughts and interpretations, this study focused on arousal as a key factor in resolving anger. The researchers were inspired by the popularity of 'rage rooms', where people can physically release their anger by smashing objects like glass, plates, and electronics.

The study specifically looked at activities that increase arousal, such as hitting a punching bag or jogging, and activities that decrease arousal, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, and yoga. The analysis found that activities that decrease arousal were effective in reducing anger, both in lab settings and in real-life situations, and in various settings and populations, including college students, non-students, and those with and without a criminal history or intellectual disabilities.

On the other hand, activities that increase arousal were generally found to be ineffective in reducing anger, with jogging being the most likely to increase anger. Interestingly, physical education classes and playing ball sports had an arousal-decreasing effect, likely because they incorporate an element of play that can counteract negative emotions.

The researchers note that many arousal-reducing methods for managing anger are accessible, free, or inexpensive, making them easily accessible for individuals seeking to manage their anger effectively. The study was published in the journal Clinical Psychology Review.

Source: newatlas.com
David Lamy
David Lamy Author
David Lamy owns the Bachelor in Atmospheric Science Degree. He is associated with Industry News USA from last 2 years. With proficiency in his work, David obtained a strong position at Industry News USA and heads the Science section. “Weather forecasting” is the field of his interest. He bags total 5 years of experience in this field. Apart from his routine work, David loves to explore his cooking skills. He has participated in various cookery shows.