Ohio State University researchers have found that managing anger may be more effective by turning down physiological arousal rather than venting. The study, which involved analyzing over 150 studies with more than 10,000 participants, discovered that techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, and yoga are more effective at reducing anger and aggression.

The research, led by Sophie Kjærvik, a postdoctoral fellow at Virginia Commonwealth University, aimed to debunk the theory of expressing anger as a coping mechanism. The study, published in the journal Clinical Psychology Review, emphasized the importance of reducing arousal levels to manage anger effectively.

Senior author Brad Bushman, a professor of communication at The Ohio State University, highlighted the ineffectiveness of venting anger and popular beliefs surrounding catharsis theory. The findings suggest that activities increasing physiological arousal, such as jogging, have no effect on anger and may even exacerbate it.

The meta-analytic review, based on the Schachter-Singer two-factor theory, concluded that addressing the physiological aspect of anger is crucial. The study’s results provide valuable insights into effective anger management techniques, shedding light on the significance of reducing arousal levels to mitigate anger and aggression.