Feeling angry can be overwhelming, and often it seems like there’s no escape from the all-consuming emotions. However, a new study conducted by researchers from Nagoya University in Japan suggests a simple yet effective way to deal with anger. By writing down feelings of anger and then disposing of the note, individuals experienced a significant reduction in their anger levels. This innovative approach to anger management provides a practical solution for dealing with intense emotions.
The study involved 98 participants who were subjected to excessively critical and insulting feedback on an essay they had written. After receiving the critiques, the volunteers were asked to write down their thoughts on how they were feeling and what had triggered their emotions. Subsequently, some participants were instructed to dispose of their notes by either throwing them away or shredding them, while others were asked to retain the notes. The researchers found that those who disposed of their notes experienced a substantial decrease in their anger levels, returning to baseline levels. In contrast, the participants who retained their notes continued to report higher levels of subjective anger.
Anger can be a powerful emotion that, if left unchecked, can lead to negative consequences such as violence or impulsive decisions. The method of writing down feelings of anger and then discarding the notes provides a quick and easy way to manage anger in the moment. This technique can be particularly useful in high-stress situations, such as in a business setting, where quick resolution is necessary. By simply writing down the source of anger and disposing of the note, individuals can effectively reduce their anger levels and regain control of their emotions.
While anger can sometimes serve a constructive purpose, such as motivating individuals to address social injustices, it is essential to have effective tools for managing anger when it becomes overwhelming. The act of writing down emotions has been shown to be a beneficial approach for coping with anger, as it allows individuals to confront and release their feelings in a tangible way. This method offers a practical and tangible way to process intense emotions and prevent them from escalating into harmful actions.
The researchers involved in the study plan to expand their findings by exploring other aspects of this anger management technique. They are interested in investigating whether writing notes digitally has the same effect as using physical paper, as well as determining the optimal amount of time needed to reread the notes for maximum benefit. Additionally, the team is intrigued by the parallels between their findings and the traditional Japanese practice of hakidashisara, further highlighting the cultural significance of their research.
The study conducted by researchers from Nagoya University sheds light on a novel approach to anger management that is both simple and effective. By writing down feelings of anger and then disposing of the notes, individuals can experience a significant reduction in their anger levels. This technique provides a practical tool for managing anger in high-stress situations and offers a valuable strategy for preventing anger from escalating into harmful behaviors.
Leave a Reply