Study Reveals Writing and Discarding Notes Reduces Anger

Overview

• A recent study in Japan demonstrates that writing down negative experiences and then shredding or throwing away the paper can effectively reduce anger.
• The research, conducted by Nagoya University, involved participants receiving unfair criticism to provoke anger, followed by the act of discarding their written responses.
• Those who disposed of their notes experienced a return to baseline anger levels, unlike those who retained the document.
• The findings suggest this method could be a practical anger management tool for individuals in stressful situations, including in the workplace.
• The study also offers insights into the Japanese cultural tradition of Hakidashisara, where people smash discs representing their frustrations for emotional relief.