Ulterior Motives

How goals, both seen and unseen, drive behavior.

by Art Markman, Ph.D.

What you don’t know can hurt you: Violence, catharsis, and video games

By Art Markman, Ph.D. on July 19, 2010 in Ulterior Motives

Periodically in this blog, I have explored the positive and negative effects of video games. In a previous post, I discussed that playing violent video games can promote aggression. One reason why this may be a problem is that many people think that playing video games may lead to catharsis. That is, by playing a violent video game, they may release some of their aggression so that they don't take it out on anyone in the world. Read More

Once or twice when I've been

Submitted by MichaelExe on July 19, 2010 - 6:49am.

Once or twice when I've been angry (which is rare for me), I took it out on a punching bag. However, isn't this violent, too? Of course, you may not have video of hitting another person, but some might imagine it. Then again, you can't expect them all to repress violent thoughts.

I think it may be helpful to exhaust yourself with exercise. With video games, failure could aggravate you further (and frustration with failure is likely what would have angered me, in the first place).

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Michael, There are lots of

Submitted by Art Markman, Ph.D. on July 19, 2010 - 8:06am.

Michael,

There are lots of healthier ways to deal with anger. Closing your eyes and trying to slow your breathing can help. As you say, exercise can also be helpful.

The idea isn't to run away from anger, but also not to condition yourself so that anger becomes associated with taking aggressive action.

-Art