Experience using punching bags so patients can vent their anger frustrations

[MHN]

I'm looking for information about the positive and negatives about the use of punch bags for psych patients to vent their anger.Does anyone have any experience regarding this or know of any articles that may throw some light on the subject.

The reason i am asking is our unit is considering installing one.Thanks in advance MHN

[PsychoRN]

I haven't seen punching bags, batakas, etc. used to vent anger for many years. The rationale for them not being used anymore is that it teaches a person to deal with their anger in a potentially destructive manner.

Some of the methods I instruct patients to use to vent their anger include physical exercise such as running, sports, writing about their anger, making a drawing about their anger, playing a musical instrument, singing, etc. These are much more positive and safer methods for patients to use to express their anger.

[renerian, BSN, RN]

I was sexually asaulted in March and my therapist told me to get a punching bag which I did. I slammed the heck out of it. It worked wonders for me.......

I would suggest it,

renerian

[sjoe]

PsychoRN has it right. That is why this kind of thing has not been used for many years by reputable facilities. The person does not need to learn to channel stress, anger, anxiety, etc. by punching and hitting, but through more personally and socially useful activities.

Of course, Renerian's case is different, where punching and hitting WOULD BE APPROPRIATE behaviors. (Too bad the assailant didn't experience more of it at the time.) I'd just be careful not to be using too solid an object as a punching bag, or you could cause hairline fractures in your forearm bones, as I did several years ago.

[CliveUK]

Morrison, E.F. (1993) Toward a Better Understanding of Violence in

Psychiatric Settings: Debunking the myths. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing

7(6): 328-335

Simulated violence tends to hype you up rather than calm you down.

Channeling the energy into something constructive, such as a sport for instance, would be better.

[CliveUK]

Morrison, E.F. (1993) Toward a Better Understanding of Violence in

Psychiatric Settings: Debunking the myths. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing

7(6): 328-335

Simulated violence tends to hype you up rather than calm you down.

Channeling the energy into something constructive, such as a sport for instance, would be better.

[citygal]

I agree, a sport would be a more positive outlet. Handball is considered a "Positive Outlet." As it only takes one person to play. I think most mental care facilities do not have the funds to build and maintain adquate sports facilities. A punching bag , would be better than nothing, IMHO.