The study was inspired by the growing popularity of “anger rooms” in the US and Europe, which invite visitors to release anger by smashing glass, plates or electronic devices. “We wanted to disprove the theory of expressing anger as a way to deal with it,” explains one of the researchers, Dr. Sofi Kerwick. “We showed that reducing arousal is more important for releasing tension.”
In the new study, 154 studies were analyzed, which included more than 10,000 participants of different genders, ages, cultures and origins. The researchers found that activities that increase physiological arousal and body heat did not affect the degree of stress and feelings of anger, and even worsened them.
Activities found to reduce anger included deep breathing, relaxation, meditation, yoga, muscle relaxation, diaphragmatic breathing and also – taking a time out. Running was found to be one of the activities that actually increased anger.
“It’s time to break the myth that if you’re angry you should let off steam through strenuous activity,” says the head of the research team Prof. Brad Bushman from Ohio State University. “There is not a shred of scientific evidence to support the theory that intense activity is effective for stress relief.”
“Certain physical activities that increase arousal may be good for the heart, but they are not the best way to reduce anger,” adds Prof. Bushman. “Angry people do want to vent, but the research indicates that even if there is a temporary good feeling from venting, it actually strengthens the aggression.”