2026届高考英语一轮复习外刊精读与练习 Day 14 一项大型研究揭示控制脾气的科学新途径

Venting Doesn't Reduce Anger, But Something Else Does, Says Study

一项大型研究揭示控制脾气的科学新途径

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Article

Main idea

When people feel angry, many believe they should “let it out”. This idea, called catharsis, compares anger to steam that must escape from a pressure cooker. Yet a 2024 study that looked at 154 earlier pieces of research shows this picture is wrong. Scientists from Ohio State University found almost no proof that venting lowers anger; in some cases it even makes anger grow.

提出“猫狗吃草”这一看似矛盾的现象，引出全文讨论的核心问题——原因何在。

“Blowing off steam sounds helpful, but science does not back it,” says Dr Brad Bushman, one of the leaders of the review. The study warns that venting often turns into rumination—going over the same angry thoughts again and again. Physical exercise, while good for the body, may also keep anger alive by raising arousal (兴奋).

列举并简要评价“自我药疗”（缓解胃部不适）假说，指出数据不支持。

论证方法：引用2008年大样本调查与2021年两项猫研究，用数据反驳因果假设。
文章逻辑：先立后驳，削弱传统观点的合理性。

So what does work? The key, the researchers say, is to reduce physiological arousal. Calming activities such as deep breathing, yoga, or taking a short timeout all proved useful in both laboratory and real-life settings. Even simple steps like counting to ten can help.

段落大意：讨论“机械清理”假说（排毛球、驱虫），并用研究结果削弱其说服力。

The team also examined “rage rooms” where people pay to smash plates or old computers. These places have become popular because they seem to offer an easy way to release fury. However, the review shows that such actions often feed, not fight, the feeling.

段落大意：提出“微量元素”假说，随即以营养学共识否定其必要性。
论证方法：提出假设→专家引语→因果否定（因饮食已均衡）。
文章逻辑：快速扫描第三种解释，进一步缩小可能范围。

Interestingly, some kinds of exercise that are usually arousing can still aid anger control if they are fun. Playing ball games with friends, for example, lowered arousal more than jogging alone.

Dr Sophie Kjærvik, another author, points out that the same tools we use to manage daily stress—mindfulness apps, relaxation videos—can tame anger as well. “You don’t need expensive therapy,” she says. “Free resources on your phone are enough to start cooling down.”

In short, anger should not be buried, but it also should not be poured out. Turning down the inner heat, not letting off steam, is the safer path to peace.

【基础版（90分学生，900-1000L）】
1. What is the main finding of the 2024 study?
A. Venting anger can sometimes increase it.
B. Physical exercise always lowers anger.
C. Rage rooms are the best place to calm down.
D. Angry people should never talk about their feelings.

2.According to Dr Bushman, why is venting not advised?
A. It makes people feel guilty afterwards.
B. It lacks scientific support and may backfire.
C. It costs too much money.
D. It takes too much time.

3.Which activity is recommended for reducing anger?
A. Jogging alone for an hour.
B. Smashing plates in a rage room.
C. Practising deep breathing.
D. Arguing with a friend.

4.What can we learn from Paragraph 5?
A. Ball games are more effective than yoga.
B. Enjoyable exercise may help lower arousal.
C. All sports increase anger.
D. Friends always stop anger.

5.What is the writer’s final suggestion?
A. Buy an expensive therapy course.
B. Keep anger inside forever.
C. Use simple calming tools to cool down.
D. Smash objects whenever angry.

【答案与解析】
1. A 细节题。定位句：“Scientists … found almost no proof that venting lowers anger; in some cases it even makes anger grow.” 同义替换：increase = makes … grow。干扰项B “always”绝对化；C “best”未提；D “never talk”夸大。
2. B 细节题。定位句：“Blowing off steam sounds helpful, but science does not back it.” 同义替换：lacks scientific support = does not back。干扰项A、C、D原文未提。
3. C 细节题。定位句：“Calming activities such as deep breathing … proved useful.” 同义替换：practising = activities。A、B、D均与建议相反。
4. B 推断题。定位句：“some kinds of exercise … if they are fun … lowered arousal.” 同义替换：enjoyable = fun；help lower = lowered。A“more effective”未比较；C“all”绝对；D“always”绝对。
5. C 主旨题。定位末段：“the same tools we use to manage daily stress … can tame anger … Free resources on your phone are enough.” 同义替换：simple calming tools = free resources。A“expensive”与末段矛盾；B“keep inside”与“should not be buried”矛盾；D“smash objects”与全文主旨相反。

【提高版（130分学生，1100-1300L）】
1.The 2024 meta-analysis primarily challenges which widely held belief?
A. Suppressing anger is unhealthy.
B. Venting anger provides emotional relief.
C. Physical exertion is universally beneficial.
D. Mindfulness is the sole remedy for stress.

2.What does Dr Bushman imply by “not a shred of scientific evidence”?
A. Earlier studies were poorly designed.
B. Catharsis theory is completely unsupported.
C. Venting is harmful in every context.
D. Anger research is still in its infancy.

3.How do “rage rooms” exemplify the misconception discussed?
A. They monetize stress while failing to reduce it.
B. They combine exercise with relaxation.
C. They encourage social bonding.
D. They provide controlled environments for therapy.

4.What nuance about physical activity does the study reveal?