rdfs:comment
| - Sometimes you are just angry. Angry enough that you decide to take it out on something or someone. Physically. This violent behavior may target a simple inanimate object, an opponent in a boxing match, or other similar situation, or maybe some convenient villain who happens to be in the area. Anyway, the point is that you are resolving your anger in a violent, but still somewhat socially acceptable way. See also Dartboard of Hate, in which the character takes out his frustrations on an enemy's image, and Punch a Wall, a subtrope that specifically deals with punching vertical surfaces.
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abstract
| - Sometimes you are just angry. Angry enough that you decide to take it out on something or someone. Physically. This violent behavior may target a simple inanimate object, an opponent in a boxing match, or other similar situation, or maybe some convenient villain who happens to be in the area. Anyway, the point is that you are resolving your anger in a violent, but still somewhat socially acceptable way. The psychiatric term for doing this in a therapeutic context is "catharsis". At one time this was all the rage, but it has fallen into disfavor among psychotherapists in the last few decades, as evidence has emerged that all it does is reward violent outbursts. Contrast Get a Hold of Yourself, Man!. Also contrast Percussive Maintenance, which is when the violence is motivated (at least partially) by attempting to make something work. As a rule of thumb; slapping your printer = Percussive Maintenance. Throwing it out of the window = Percussive Therapy. See also Dartboard of Hate, in which the character takes out his frustrations on an enemy's image, and Punch a Wall, a subtrope that specifically deals with punching vertical surfaces. Examples of Percussive Therapy include:
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