In a study conducted by a research group in Japan, a novel method for managing anger has emerged: writing down one’s reaction to a negative incident on a piece of paper, followed by its disposal, has been found to reduce feelings of anger significantly. Lead researcher Nobuyuki Kawai expressed astonishment at how this simple act effectively eliminated anger. This discovery holds profound significance as it pertains to the management of anger both in personal and professional contexts, offering a potential solution to mitigate the negative repercussions of uncontrolled anger.

The significance of this research is underscored by the fact that many existing anger management techniques lack empirical validation and are often challenging to implement in moments of heightened emotion. The study, published in Scientific Reports, represents the culmination of years of investigation into the relationship between written expression and anger reduction, building upon prior research demonstrating the influence of physical interactions on mood regulation.

For their experiment, Kawai and his graduate student, Yuta Kanaya, engaged participants in writing brief opinions on pressing social issues, only to subject them to harsh criticism from fictitious evaluators—this deliberate provocation aimed to elicit genuine emotional responses from the participants. After receiving negative feedback, participants were prompted to reflect on the emotional triggers elicited by the criticism.

Subsequently, participants were divided into two groups: one instructed to dispose of their written responses, and the other to retain them. The disposal methods varied, from discarding the paper in a trash can to shredding it. The results revealed a marked difference in anger levels between the two groups. Those who disposed of their written responses reported a swift return to baseline anger levels, while those who retained the documents experienced only marginal decreases in anger.

Kawai envisions tangible applications for this research, particularly in high-pressure environments like the workplace. By advocating for individuals to jot down the source of their anger in a manner similar to taking a memo and then immediately disposing of it, this technique presents a feasible strategy for managing anger in real-time scenarios.

Going beyond its practical implications, this discovery may offer insights into the cultural phenomenon of hakidashisara—a traditional Japanese practice involving the symbolic purging of anger. Held annually at the Hiyoshi shrine in Kiyosu, Aichi Prefecture, hakidashisara entails the symbolic smashing of small discs representing sources of rage. The parallels between this cultural tradition and the research findings suggest a shared mechanism for emotional release and relief, underscoring the cultural relevance of this research.

In conclusion, the study conducted by the Japanese research group highlights the therapeutic potential of expressive writing in managing anger. By elucidating the effectiveness of a simple yet powerful technique, this research offers a promising avenue for enhancing emotional well-being and interpersonal dynamics. Moreover, its cultural implications shed light on age-old practices of emotional catharsis, bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and cultural tradition.

More information: Yuta Kanaya et al, Anger is eliminated with the disposal of a paper written because of provocation, Scientific Reports. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57916-z

Journal information: Scientific Reports Provided by Nagoya University