What reasons account for the ineffectiveness of the catharsis strategy?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

There is a large body of social psychology research showing that catharsis activity is not only ineffective in reducing anger, but it actually increases rather than decreases hostility and aggression (see Aronson, Wison, & Akert, 2010, pp. 374-378, for a discussion). For example, Aronson et al. (2010, p. 375) note that "verbal acts of aggression are followed by further attacks.". The reason catharsis does not work is because it hardens thoughts and attitudes that foster blame and derogation of the target of anger. This then leads to self-justification for harboring angry feelings. Such self-justification can lead to acting on the angry feelings in an aggressive way. The unintended effect of catharsis is to add more steam to the steam engine, causing it to overheat and go off the tracks.