What is the science behind venting?
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Venting is often associated with the need to express feelings, particularly when someone feels unheard or ignored. According to on the , people vent because they want to release frustration or anger, which are emotions linked to being denied future goals or upset about past events respectively. Simply letting someone vent uninterrupted can lead to increased frustration as it might amplify negative emotions rather than alleviate them 1.
suggests that instead of allowing a person to vent without guidance, it can be helpful to acknowledge their feelings and try to identify the core emotions driving their need to vent. This can help in de-escalating these emotions more effectively by validating their experiences and emotions, which parallels techniques used in crisis hotlines to manage distress 1.
Moreover, venting can introduce stress and negative chemicals into the body, which Chris Voss notes as "toxins" related to negative emotions. Therefore, addressing the underlying issues rather than just allowing unfiltered venting is crucial in preventing the spiral of negative emotions and improving emotional well-being 1.
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