Catharsis is a purification or purging of the emotions (such as pity and fear) primarily through art -- a factor first identified by Aristotle; it can bring about spiritual renewal, and it provides a release from tension. In other words, it's stuff you do to relieve tension or get stuff off your chest. It's not just violence, either. Many games are just as capable of making you feel warm and fuzzy when you take a constructive option and help the pile of pixels instead. See also: Percussive Therapy. Examples of Catharsis Factor include: