These anger rooms have become popular as recreational therapy or self-therapy in recent years.
Venting anger doesn’t actually result in catharsis or reliefinstead, it typically reinforces and even worsens anger.
How Do Rage Rooms Work?
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Rage rooms are set up with breakable items for patrons to smash for a few minutes at a time.
So, what’s the idea behind this activity?
What does it have to do with stress management?
Anger rooms are based on thecatharsistheory of aggression.
This theory suggests that if people are able to vent their frustration and anger, this anger will decrease.
How do they compare to simply hitting a pillow or going to the gym to blow off steam?
However, some researchers are exploring possible applications for such activities.
Reviews of the activity were mixed.
While some felt it was enjoyable, others reported disliking expressing emotions in such a public, visible way.
One participant suggested that mending or organizing objects would have been more enjoyable than breaking them.
Such findings suggest that more research is needed to understand how anger rooms might affect people.
When you’re angry and frustrated, finding an outlet to release some of your tension can feel good.
Simply put, it’s not a healthy way to deal with difficult emotions.
Instead of learning effective anger management techniques and coping skills, you are reinforcing an anger response.
The available research does suggest that acting aggressively does lead to more aggressive behavior in the future.
One study found that people who acted aggressively after they were provoked did sometimes feel better immediately after.
Unfortunately, this relief was short-lived.
Could it be a worthwhile activity for a Saturday night out with friends?
Doesnt this research miss that these rooms are all in good fun?
For many, there might be something beneficial to this activity after all.
It can be an interesting form of exercise.
It can give you a funny story to share with your friends.
It can also be a fun activity to bring them along to, which leads to the next point.
If itgets you into a better moodwith a spirit of fun, you may want to go for it.
2021;8(4):e29763.
doi:10.2196/29763
Tonnaer F, Cima M, Arntz A.Explosive matters: does venting anger reduce or increase aggression?
Differences in anger venting effects in violent offenders.J Aggress Maltreatment Trauma.
