Raging: Why are we so angry and what can we do to manage this most powerful emotion

In a world that seems designed purely to annoy us, how are we meant to deal with anger in a ‘healthy’ way? Experts at the forefront of anger management research share their findings

Blowing off steam may seem more satisfying but it can actually increase levels of aggression. Image: Getty

Niamh Jiménez

When Brad Bushman’s kids were little and got angry with each other, the seasoned anger researcher in Professor Bushman would spring into action. Stepping in with the sage advice we all know too well but resist like foul-tasting medicine, the professor of communication at Ohio State University would say, “Take some deep breaths. In through the nose, out through the mouth.”

“I don’t want to take deep breaths!” one protested. The alternative, counting to 10, was an equally bitter pill to swallow: “I don’t want to count. I want to hit!”