by Danna Martínez
The faculty of venting frustrations, expressing thoughts, releasing those emotions on an inner level is part of a method called catharsis. In psychology, this term refers to the therapeutic strategy by which an individual produces a feeling of full liberation and purity. This manifestation can be achieved through a word, fact, or gesture hovered in the head of the person who expresses it
A catharsis also refers to an event that marks a turning point in a person’s life, a profound impact, generating a chain of emotional reactions.
This concept is used in the area of psychology to indicate the release of negative emotions. The word catharsis comes from the Greek term κάθαρσις (kátharsis) which means, “purification” or “purge.” Greeks coined the term catharsis to refer to the sensation of purification produced in a play’s spectator when identifying with the characters and taking as their own the same emotions experienced in the scene.
Aristotle, a Greek philosopher, and polymath used the word in his work The Poetics as a mechanism by which people can become emotionally, mentally, and spiritually purified. Aristotle used the catharsis method to define the purpose of tragedy in the performing arts. Rethink, feel, reflect, and ultimately release own conflicts by identifying theatrical characters and their stories. Consequently, by getting involved in the play’s plot, it is also possible to redeem own problems.
Sigmund Freud, Austrian neurologist and psychoanalysis founder, and Joseph Breuer, physician and neurophysiologist, rescued the catharsis idea in what they called “the cathartic method.” For Freud, catharsis was a determining tool in psychology. This therapeutic strategy aims to bring to light repressed emotions through hypnosis or the therapy itself. According to the cathartic method, it is necessary to “unlock” hidden memories, which are generally the result of problems or concerns.
The catharsis study continued later for other references, such as Jacob Levy Moreno with his psychodrama technique. Even today, television and film productions also act as cathartic channels to purge part of our conflicting emotions.
For psychology, catharsis is a key concept in any therapeutic process considering the lifestyle evokes the need to release conflicting tensions generated from a series of sad, anger, or stress events that are shocking or emotionally significant. By doing catharsis, emotions have the possibility of emerging and manifesting, giving way to analysis. At this point, the emotional purification transcends the search for an explanation and clarifies the anguish or problem. After that understanding, the mechanisms of change are set in motion.
This is how the term catharsis, as a psychotherapeutic method, refers to a process of purification of feelings, thoughts, values , and emotions. All this to reflect on life, release pressure and reevaluate the present. Emotional catharsis is an ideal that can be achieved through self-reflection and awareness.
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