Catharsis is the process of releasing pent-up emotions, often through physical or verbal expression. It is often thought to be a way to reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. However, there is some debate about whether catharsis is actually effective in reducing stress.
Here’s what the research says:
- A study by Carver, Scheier, and Weintraub (1989) found that people who wrote about their stressful experiences for 20 minutes each day for four days had significantly lower levels of stress than people who did not write about their experiences.
- A study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology in 2003 found that people who engaged in physical exercise as a way to express their emotions experienced a decrease in stress levels.
- A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology in 2006found that people who engaged in anger expression, such as yelling or hitting a punching bag, experienced a decrease in stress levels in the short-term. However, the effects of anger expression were not long-lasting, and people who engaged in anger expression were more likely to experience rebound effects, such as increased stress levels, later on.
Does this mean that catharsis is always good for stress reduction?
No, not necessarily. In some cases, catharsis can actually lead to increased stress levels. This is especially true if catharsis is not done in a healthy way. For example, if you engage in aggressive or destructive behavior as a way to express your emotions, you are more likely to experience increased stress levels.
So, how can you use catharsis to reduce stress in a healthy way?
Here are a few tips:
- Find a safe and private place where you can express yourself without judgment.
- Start by talking to a trusted friend or family member.
- You can also try writing in a journal, creating art, or listening to music.
- If you feel like you need to express your emotions in a more physical way, try exercising or going for a walk.
It’s important to find a method of catharsis that works for you and that you feel comfortable with. If you’re not sure where to start, talking to a therapist or counselor can be a great way to get some guidance.
Remember, catharsis is not a cure-all for stress. However, it can be a helpful tool for managing stress and improving emotional well-being.
Here’s a real-life story about how catharsis can help:
In 2018, actress and singer Demi Lovato opened up about her struggles with addiction and mental health. She said that she found catharsis in music, and that writing songs helped her to process her emotions and reduce her stress levels. Lovato said that writing songs allowed her to “let go of things that I’ve been holding onto for a long time.”
If you’re struggling with stress, don’t be afraid to try catharsis. It may be just the thing you need to help you feel better.
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