Analysis: exercise seems to have a predominantly positive influence on mood and research suggests this extends beyond depression and anxiety
Anger is a normal emotion that almost everyone experiences. In fact, it's likely that most people feel some level of anger at least a few times a week, though this is more of an educated guess than a proven statistic. It is traditionally understood as an emotional response to a real or perceived threat, harm, provocation or injustice. Anger triggers a variety of physiological and psychological reactions, generally increasing energy and focus toward the source of the perceived threat.
Anger often manifests outwardly, leading to behaviours like shouting, throwing objects, or displaying impatience. It can also result in physical symptoms such as headaches and digestive symptoms and, in extreme cases, escalate into aggression or violence. Although anger in moderation can serve as an adaptive tool, it has also been associated with a heightened risk for coronary heart disease.
When considering examples of anger, fictional characters can provide a clear or at least a safe and entertaining illustration. The Hulk, a green superhero whose anger transforms him into an uncontrollable force, is one such example. Similarly, Donald Duck, with his short temper, and Darth Vader, driven by anger and hatred, illustrate the multi-sidedness of this emotion. These characters exemplify and often exaggerate the diverse expressions of anger, ranging from light-hearted frustration to sinister wrath and persistent motivation.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
From RTÉ 2fm's Jennifer Zamparelli show, counselling psychologist Niamh Delmar on dealing with anger and why, when and how to control it
Unlike for mental health, there is surprisingly no comprehensive population-based study in any country, or globally, that specifically tracks people's everyday emotions, including anger. Available data suggests around 7 to 8% of the American population experiences inappropriate, intense, or uncontrollable anger, the types of anger commonly associated with poorer socio-psychological outcomes, such as aggression.
Additionally, some sources report that up to 20% of individuals in Western societies have experienced significant anger in the past 24 hours. However, these figures don't account for the more common moderate and less intense feelings of anger that are still unpleasant and disruptive for many people.
Given the significant impact of anger on humans, numerous studies and strategies have been developed to help people manage it more effectively. Many of these strategies, particularly structured therapy, are understandably targeted at individuals who regularly experience above average levels of anger, such as prison inmates or adolescent males.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
From RTÉ Brainstorm, why do breathing techniques stop panic attacks?
But there are also effective techniques that are more accessible to everyone. These behavioural methods are designed to help individuals loosen up and include mindfulness, breathing exercises and simple actions like counting to ten. These approaches are gentle and mellow, but have been demonstrated to help people regulate their anger, and other emotions, in everyday situations. Exercise has also long been recognised for its benefits in treating mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and persistent fatigue, with recent evidence becoming increasingly clear and precise.
However, the role of exercise in regulating anger has received relatively little attention, likely because anger, even in its clinical manifestations, is not as significant population health concern compared to major mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Additionally, the lack of data on the prevalence and incidence of anger complicates the assessment of its impact.
While the broader relationship between exercise and anger regulation remains underexplored, sports interventions targeting aggression, particularly among males, have been examined more thoroughly, showing moderate effectiveness.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
From RTÉ Radio 1's Drivetime, counselling psychologist Niamh Delmar on 'panger' or post-pandemic anger
Due to the lack of systematic evidence regarding the impact of exercise on anger, my colleagues and I initiated a systematic review to synthesise the existing causal evidence on this relationship. Although our results are not yet published and causality remains complex, the most rigorous research suggests that various forms of exercise—including aerobic activities, resistance training, and yoga—are beneficial for reducing anger levels in the adult population. This effect appears to hold true both in the short term and over the long term. Interestingly, while the type of exercise may influence its effectiveness, some forms can be even more effective at reducing anger than quiet rest, a common strategy that many find relaxing
The positive effects of exercise on physiological and psychological health are widely recognised but several important aspects deserve further attention when it comes to mood and emotion regulation. For instance, the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the beneficial effects of exercise on mood are not yet fully understood. Generally, it is more than likely that shifts in cognitive focus, along with a complex interplay of physiological responses, play significant roles in this relationship.
In my opinion, it is helpful to broaden the perspective on exercise and physical activity in the context of mood and emotion. Exercise seems to have a global and predominantly positive influence on mood, extending beyond just depression and anxiety.
We need your consent to load this rte-player contentWe use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content.Manage Preferences
From RTÉ 2fm's Jennifer Zamparelli show, ex-professional rugby player and chartered physiotherapist, Gary Brown on how fitness and exercise contribute to our health and well-being
Our ongoing investigation is primarily focused on cohorts that do not typically experience high levels of anger so it is important to note that the results cannot be used to make definitive statements about exercise's role in alleviating very high levels of anger. More broadly speaking, it is important to note that significant variations exist between countries in terms of high anger levels experienced.
While lower levels of anger are generally beneficial for most people, the sources of anger for many individuals are often very concrete and tangible. While increasing exercise may contribute to a less angry world, it is likely only a small part of the solution. A more effective approach would most likely involve addressing sources of anger, such as perceived and real-life threats, harm and injustice.
Follow RTÉ Brainstorm on WhatsApp and Instagram for more stories and updates
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
