Tag

Arousal

All articles tagged with #arousal

Calm Over Catharsis: New Review Finds Venting Anger Isn’t Effective
science6 days ago

Calm Over Catharsis: New Review Finds Venting Anger Isn’t Effective

A meta-analysis of 154 studies (10,189 participants) finds venting anger does not reliably reduce anger and may even increase it; the key to taming anger is lowering physiological arousal through calming activities such as slow-flow yoga, mindfulness, diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or taking a timeout. Reflection on underlying causes and, when helpful, CBT can aid some, but arousal-reducing strategies generally beat venting—even vigorous exercise like jogging can backfire. The findings, published in Clinical Psychology Review, challenge the catharsis myth and support calming techniques as the best option.

New Brain Research Changes Understanding of How ADHD Medications Work
health2 months ago

New Brain Research Changes Understanding of How ADHD Medications Work

A large brain imaging study reveals that ADHD medications like Adderall and Ritalin primarily affect brain regions related to arousal and wakefulness, not attention networks as previously believed. These drugs mimic the brain patterns of good sleep, effectively rescuing sleep-deprived children temporarily, but do not enhance cognitive abilities in well-rested children. The findings suggest that sleep issues may underlie some ADHD symptoms and highlight the importance of addressing sleep health.

"Ricky Martin's On-Stage Moment with Madonna Sparks Controversy"
entertainment1 year ago

"Ricky Martin's On-Stage Moment with Madonna Sparks Controversy"

Fans speculate that Ricky Martin may have been aroused during Madonna's concert in Miami while judging a "Vogue" ballroom competition on stage with the pop diva. Social media erupted with comments and questions about the singer's excitement, but many fans were simply delighted to see him living his best life and enjoying the show. Ricky Martin later expressed his gratitude to Madonna for inviting him to be part of the electrifying segment.

"The Impact of Music on Productivity"
science-and-technology1 year ago

"The Impact of Music on Productivity"

Researchers from NYU Tandon investigated the impact of personalized music on cognitive performance and arousal, inspired by the Yerkes-Dodson law in psychology. The study found that music with exciting components led to overall better performance, aligning with the law's inverted U-shaped relationship between arousal and performance. The research suggests the potential for developing a personalized brain-computer interface to regulate internal brain states during everyday activities, offering insights into how music choices can influence productivity.

"Managing Anger: The Surprising Truth About Venting and Exercise"
health-and-wellness1 year ago

"Managing Anger: The Surprising Truth About Venting and Exercise"

A new review of 154 studies suggests that activities such as hitting a punching bag or jogging are not effective in managing anger, as they can increase arousal and aggression levels. Instead, engaging in activities that decrease arousal, such as deep breathing, muscle relaxation, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, has been found to effectively control angry feelings and aggressive impulses across diverse settings and for various demographics. The research emphasizes the importance of evidence-based tools for effective anger management, offering simple and free techniques for reducing anger and fostering healthier outcomes.

"Managing Anger: The Surprising Solution to Avoiding Venting and Exercise"
psychology1 year ago

"Managing Anger: The Surprising Solution to Avoiding Venting and Exercise"

New research suggests that venting anger is not effective at reducing rage, and instead, techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or counting to 10 are more effective at decreasing anger and aggression by lowering physiological arousal. Activities that increase arousal, such as jogging, were found to be generally ineffective or even counterproductive. The study, involving over 150 studies and 10,000 participants, highlights the importance of reducing arousal levels to manage anger, and suggests that strategies for coping with stress can also be beneficial for anger management.