The cathartic theory of rage, which we have already begun to discuss in this post, has had a very long life, from Aristotle to the present day, where in any case is alive and well in the heads of most people.
However, scientific research tells us not very positive things about this theory.
In one of the very first studies, Robert Hornberger in his article "The differential reduction of aggressive response as a function of interpolated activities" on American Psychologist 14 of 1959, found that "venting" anger symbolically made people even more aggressive! In short, to extinguish a fire with petrol.
And subsequent research, done in the most disparate fields, did nothing but bring further evidence in this direction. For example, Brad Bushman and his research group have dedicated a great deal of work to the cathartic theory, of considerable scientific depth.
The APA website, the American Psychological Association, in this section dedicated to the management of rage, makes no reference to "venting" as a strategy.
These references, of course, are just some of the many possible. Let's say that, for those wishing to investigate the issue, they are a good starting point.
In short, the science of behavior tells us that the outburst, direct or indirect, real or symbolic, verbal or physical, is a remedy worse than evil.
Personally, despite my daily work with the aggressiveness of people, I struggled to leave the cathartic theory. I started from a simple area: driving.
When a motorist does something wrong but the cars do not touch each other, I follow the rule: "Go straight on your way, keep your hands on the steering wheel and the lips together".
In this way it is impossible to turn anger into aggression. Just follow the rule strictly.
Difficult, at the beginning.
Like a robot, straight on my way. Become a sort of Spok
It's not the italian way ... but, surprise, the rage lasts very little. Nothing comparable to when you become aggressive... In short: all health.
In the next post, we will examine the relational problem solving, an interesting alternative to killing people.
However, scientific research tells us not very positive things about this theory.
In one of the very first studies, Robert Hornberger in his article "The differential reduction of aggressive response as a function of interpolated activities" on American Psychologist 14 of 1959, found that "venting" anger symbolically made people even more aggressive! In short, to extinguish a fire with petrol.
And subsequent research, done in the most disparate fields, did nothing but bring further evidence in this direction. For example, Brad Bushman and his research group have dedicated a great deal of work to the cathartic theory, of considerable scientific depth.
The APA website, the American Psychological Association, in this section dedicated to the management of rage, makes no reference to "venting" as a strategy.
These references, of course, are just some of the many possible. Let's say that, for those wishing to investigate the issue, they are a good starting point.
In short, the science of behavior tells us that the outburst, direct or indirect, real or symbolic, verbal or physical, is a remedy worse than evil.
Personally, despite my daily work with the aggressiveness of people, I struggled to leave the cathartic theory. I started from a simple area: driving.
When a motorist does something wrong but the cars do not touch each other, I follow the rule: "Go straight on your way, keep your hands on the steering wheel and the lips together".
In this way it is impossible to turn anger into aggression. Just follow the rule strictly.
Difficult, at the beginning.
Like a robot, straight on my way. Become a sort of Spok
It's not the italian way ... but, surprise, the rage lasts very little. Nothing comparable to when you become aggressive... In short: all health.
In the next post, we will examine the relational problem solving, an interesting alternative to killing people.
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