Why Venting Doesn’t Help You Deal with Anger | Jennifer Parlamis | TED
In her insightful TED talk, “Why Venting Doesn’t Help You Deal with Anger,” Jennifer Parlamis explores the complexities of anger management and the misconceptions surrounding “venting.” Drawing from a personal anecdote about her husband’s unusual method of pushing a stroller, she illustrates how our interpretations of others’ actions can trigger and exacerbate feelings of anger. Through her research, Parlamis reveals that venting does not reduce anger; rather, it often reinforces negative attributions, creating a self-perpetuating cycle of frustration.
She challenges the widely accepted belief that expressing anger is beneficial, citing studies that demonstrate how physiological arousal during such expressions may intensify feelings rather than alleviate them. Instead, effective methods for managing anger include activities that lower physiological arousal, like meditation or yoga. Ultimately, Parlamis emphasizes the importance of reevaluating our attributions and actively seeking new perspectives to transform anger into constructive action, or “building bridges” rather than creating distance in relationships. This thought-provoking talk fosters a deeper understanding of how to channel anger positively, encouraging viewers to reconsider their coping strategies.
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Video “Why Venting Doesn’t Help You Deal with Anger | Jennifer Parlamis | TED” was uploaded on 11/26/2025 to Youtube Channel TED