Social psychologists have found a link between high temperatures and increased anger and aggressive behaviour.
It is obvious that in warmer weather, autonomic responses like heart rate and sweating increase. It therefore stands to reason that when confronted by a stressful situation when our body is already aroused by heat, we are more likely to act aggressively.
In a sense, we confuse our body’s response to the heat with our response to the situation, and the behaviour which follows can be disproportionate. Heat and the discomfort of heat can also arouse more angry and aggressive thoughts, which need behavioural outlets.
It is therefore not surprising that domestic violence, road rage, workplace conflict, violent crime and even civil wars increase during warmer weather. Although inconclusive, some researchers have used this idea to explain why violent crime and war are more prevalent in warmer parts of the world, like southern Europe, South America and areas around the equator.
Regardless, it is useful to find ways in your home and workplace to counter the effects of heat on your feelings and behaviour.
This can be achieved by finding ways to cool down or avoid stressful environments and situations in the heat of the day, or learning to manage your feelings and behaviour better.
