March 19, 1999

Hitting a Punching Bag Is Found to Increase Anger

By DAVID L. WHEELER

Contrary to the popular view that "venting" lessens anger, psychologists have found that hitting a punching bag while feeling hostile increases the intensity of the emotion.

Brad J. Bushman, an associate professor of psychology at Iowa State University, and colleagues there and at Case Western Reserve University performed an experiment that was inspired by their view that popular publications, including many

Digital or Print Subscription

Web Pass

Already have an account? Log In Now.