How often do we hear the advice: let off some steam, be angry, punch a pillow, scream, etc... when you are feeling angry. But does the catharsis theory hold? according to this research, it does not. Anger begets more anger. Which is interesting and makes a lot of sense:
we become what we think and how we act.
Paper:
https://illinois.edu/lb/files/2009/03/26/9293.pdfBy Brad J. Bushman Iowa State University
QuoteCatharsis theory predicts that venting anger should get rid of it and should therefore reduce subsequent aggression. The present findings, as well as previous findings, directly contradict catharsis theory (e.g., Bushman et al., 1999; Geen & Quanty, 1977). For reducing anger and aggression, the worst possible advice to
give people is to tell them to imagine their provocateur's face on a pillow or punching bag as they wallop it, yet this
is precisely what many pop psychologists advise people to do. If followed, such advice will only make people angrier and more aggressive.
Plus some a popular news article about it:
QuoteHow anger changes the BRAIN: Aggression causes new nerve cells to grow which can trigger even more rage in the future
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3433491/How-anger-changes-BRAIN-Aggression-causes-new-nerve-cells-grow-trigger-rage-future.htmlBy Sarah Griffiths for MailOnline
Published: 08:47 EST, 5 February 2016 | Updated: 10:16 EST, 5 February 2016
Pretty much proves to me that we literally can change who we are by modifying our own behavior.
