Angelyn recognizes she has a temper problem. She maintains that she controls it best by venting—expressing her anger and frustration before she explodes. Angelyn is espousing the approach of _____.

Angelyn is espousing the approach of catharsis.

• Catharsis is the idea that expressing emotions, particularly anger, will reduce aggressive urges and lead to a state of psychological relief or cleansing. According to the catharsis hypothesis, by venting anger and frustration, a person can prevent their emotions from building up and leading to an explosion of anger, or acting out in a more harmful way.
• The concept of catharsis has its roots in drama and ancient philosophy. The word 'catharsis' is derived from the Greek word 'kathairein', meaning to cleanse or purify. In psychology, catharsis is associated with the release of emotions by talking about, acting out, or otherwise expressing feelings through behavior. This concept was particularly developed by the early psychoanalysts, such as Sigmund Freud, who believed that bringing repressed thoughts and feelings to the conscious mind was therapeutic.