Finding Calm ── Alternatives to Venting Anger

 

The online publication and news source featuring scientific research, discoveries, and outcomes, Science Alert, published this last year concerning anger ── 

Venting Doesn’t Reduce Anger, But Something Else Does, Study Says

Venting when angry seems sensible. Conventional wisdom suggests that expressing anger can help us quell it, like releasing steam from a pressure cooker.

But this common metaphor is misleading, according to a recent meta-analytic review. Researchers at Ohio State University analyzed 154 studies on anger, finding little evidence that venting helps. In some cases, it could increase anger.

“I think it’s really important to bust the myth that if you’re angry you should blow off steam – get it off your chest,” said senior author and communication scientist Brad Bushman when the results were published in April.

“Venting anger might sound like a good idea, but there’s not a shred of scientific evidence to support catharsis theory.” 

That doesn’t mean anger should be ignored. Reflection can help us understand why we get mad and address underlying problems. It can also aid emotional validation, an important first step towards healthily processing emotions. 

Venting, however, often goes beyond reflection into rumination. The study suggests that many people also try to exorcize anger with physical exertion, which can offer health benefits but may not lighten the mood in the moment. 

The studies reviewed included a total of 10,189 participants, representing a variety of ages, genders, cultures, and ethnicities. The findings show the key to curbing anger is reducing physiological arousal, the authors say, from anger itself or from the otherwise beneficial physical activity it might inspire. 

“To reduce anger, it is better to engage in activities that decrease arousal levels,” Bushman said. …

“I wanted to debunk the whole theory of expressing anger as a way of coping with it,” explained Kjærvik. “We wanted to show that reducing arousal, and actually the physiological aspect of it, is really important.” …

“It was really interesting to see that progressive muscle relaxation and just relaxation in general might be as effective as approaches such as mindfulness and meditation,” Kjærvik said. … 

Rather than trying to vent anger, the researchers recommend undermining it by turning down the heat. 

(https://www.sciencealert.com/venting-doesnt-reduce-anger-but-something-elsedoes-study-says, retrieved 19 August 2025).

God’s living word teaches us concerning self-control ──

“Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.” – Ecclesiastes 7:9. 

“Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” – 1 Corinthians 7:5. 

Now, while our beloved Apostle Paul didn’t write this concerning anger in general, the principle is very applicable. 

King Solomon ── the wisest man of his time, in his proverbs ── 

“He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, But he who is impulsive exalts folly.” – Proverbs 14:29.

“A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger. 2) The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness. … 18) A wrathful man stirs up strife, But he who is slow to anger allays contention.” – Proverbs 15:1-2, 18.

We should also not transgress the Law of God while we are angry ── 

“Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.” – Psalm 4:4. And the Apostle Paul added, “do not let the sun go down on your wrath.” – Ephesians 4:26. 

I practiced this last Sunday while my wife and I were hosting her birthday gathering. There were a lot of friends and family, and it was a bit overwhelming for me. I politely excused myself as they were out on the lanai and in the pool swimming ── went into our bedroom, gave myself to prayer and meditation and stillness upon our bed for a little while. And then came back out.

There’s the old adage ── never go to bed angry. Being angry and transgressing the Law of God (1 John 3:4) can place you in the path of Satan, the Devil, to tempt you because of your lapse in self-control.

Some people allow the wrong kind of pride to take hold and are just arrogant and opinionated ──  

“An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression. 23) A man’s pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.” – Proverbs 29:22-23.

Certainly, when we are confronted by such people, the Apostle Paul admonished us to be ── 

“casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself [including a person that places themselves on a pedestal as being something they most certainly are not!] against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity TO THE OBEDIENCE OF CHRIST.” – 2 Corinthians 10:5. 

Yes, avoidance and self-control even of our thoughts! 

The Apostle Paul also ── under divine inspiration of God’s Spirit ── 

“BEWARE, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; 13) but exhort one another daily, while it is called ‘Today,’ lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14) For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence STEADFAST to the end, 15) while it is said: ‘Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.’” – Hebrews 3:12-15. See also Hebrews 4:7. 

Speaking of Korah’s Rebellion ── Numbers 14:1-16:35. Some claim to be followers of our Lord Jesus Christ who think they can do a better job leading God’s people. Some 1,500 years later, the Apostle Jude records a strong warning about such men who come into God’s Church as false teachers, arrogating to themselves the authority of God and His living word ──

“WOE to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.” – Jude 1:11. 

Also, there are those people who allow a “root of bitterness” to take hold, and it begins to grow ──

“Pursue peace with all people [including those who would be considered enemies], and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15) looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.” – Hebrews 12:14-15.

We must learn, brethren, how to get along with all people. Forgive those who have wronged us. Not getting along with a family member’s boyfriend/girlfriend may strain other familial relationships, making you look like the “bad guy.” This strain can cause additional underlying issues ── such as anger. 

Now… whether you have been one who has allowed a “root of bitterness” to grow, or one with anger issues. Might I suggest you take an anger test? Here’s one from Psychology Today ── Anger Management Test. Below is how I did. I need improvement.          

The Apostle Paul wrote ──

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13. 

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but GOD IS FAITHFUL, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13. 

Yes, take this simple and free test and see how you do. We can certainly all improve and work on not harboring angry or hateful thoughts and actions. 

Let us always remember what our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, tells us ──  

“ … ‘ love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45) that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; …’” – Matthew 5:43-45.

Brethren, we should not let every real or imagined disrespect make us angry to the point that we lose self-control.

Despite our personal flaws, we all need to be striving towards perfection ── which includes anger management. □