17 Dec Getting Hot Under The Collar – Cool It Down
The relationship between ambient temperature, particularly hot weather, and aggressive or antisocial behaviour has been a subject of fascination and debate for decades. Old sayings like getting hot under the collar or take the heat out of the argument the relationship is well accepted. Even Shakespeare tells us that a hot day stirs up the emotions:
I pray thee, good Mercurio, let’s retire;
The day is hot, the Capulets abroad,
And, if we meet, we shall not ‘scape a brawl,
For now, these hot days, is the mad blood boiling. (Romeo and Juliet, Act 3, Scene 1)
Here, in Australia, the summer temperatures can be scorching … and summer includes some other aggression-triggering factors – things like drinking, Christmas emotions, financial and family stress. The mix of drinking, stresses, Christmas and heat can be a volatile cocktail.
So, it is important to look into this question and, perhaps, find some ways to mitigate the potential impacts of the soaring heat of the Aussie summer.
There have been many studies establishing (or confirming) the link between elevated temperatures and increases in aggressive behaviour. Three key factors:
- Physiological changes – when overheated our bodies enter a state of stress, triggering the release of stress hormones (like cortisol). These hormones can affect our mood and behaviour, potentially leading to increased aggression.
- Brain functioning – studies have shown that the prefrontal cortex can be affected by heat. This area of the brain is responsible for regulating emotions and controlling impulsive behaviour. When overheated it becomes less efficient, impairing our ability to control our emotions and, so, removing some of the barriers that would normally prevent agressive responses.
- Biological factors – research shows that testosterone levels are higher during the summer months and serotonin levels decrease. Increased testosterone is associated with aggression while reduced serotonin levels lead to increased irritability and impulsivity. The combination raises the potential for aggressive behaviour.
- Discomfort – we all have direct experienced of the discomfort and irritability caused by excessive temperatures. This is generally accompanied by decreases in our levels of patience and tolerance.
And we all experience it first-hand – when facing high temperatures our heart rates rise, we sweat and feel general discomfort. This then triggers a general state physiological arousal – in short, our bodies enter a state of stress. Stress hormones, like cortisol, are released, and these hormones affect mood and behaviour, potentially leading to increased aggression.
Mitigation
Understanding the link between hot weather and aggression can prompt the development of mitigation strategies. Implementing cooling measures in public spaces, providing access to shade, and promoting awareness about the psychological effects of heat can contribute to reducing aggressive tendencies during warmer periods.
Also, understanding the link, can lead to individuals becoming more effective at managing their behaviour in hot weather. Here are some suggestions:
♠ Stay Cool. Take steps to keep body temperature down – seek shade, stay hydrated, use cooling devices like fans or air-conditioning.
♠ Practice Self-Awareness. Be mindful of emotions and recognise signs of irritability or frustration. Take a moment to pause and assess to help prevent impulsive reactions. Some things to look out for:
♦ Feelings of anger, irritability, grouchiness.
♦ Increased pulse – does your heart feel like it’s speeding up?
♦ Tense muscles.
♦ Changes in breathing.
♠ Adopt relaxation techniques. Activities like deep breathing, meditation or engaging in hobbies that bring joy can all help reduce stress and promote well-being.
♠ Identify and address other contributing factors. Tiredness, hunger, feeling physically unwell, anxiety, or worry can all be magnified during hot weather. Identifying them and addressing them can help guard against impulsive or aggressive reactions.
♠ Stop and Think before acting. It is not an easy step but, when feeling anger build, taking a moment to think, clear your head and calm down is a giant step towards separating yourself from the situation and avoid undesirable consequences of impulsive reactions.
Conclusion
The link between hot weather and aggression is a complex and multifaceted issue. While the exact mechanisms underlying this relationship are still being explored, research suggests that temperature can indeed influence our behaviour and increase the likelihood of aggression. Understanding the science, psychology, and biology behind this phenomenon is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate aggression during hot weather.
Ultimately, it is up to individuals, communities, and policymakers to recognize the impact of hot weather on our behaviour and work towards creating environments that promote peace and well-being, regardless of the temperature outside.
Additional Resources:
Minimising the impacts of extreme heat: A guide for local government. (PDF) This document from NSW Office of Environment & Heritage has some information relevant to all of us, not just local government.