We’ve been dealing with some sweltering temperatures here in Ontario lately. While I’ve heard my share of people complaining about the heat, I’ve also heard many people expressing gratitude for the beautiful weather.
So, I thought about what life might be like if the weather were hot throughout the year.
Years ago, I remembered reading about a study that said hot cities had higher crime rates. So, I Googled the phrase “Heat and Aggression.” What came up were articles supporting the Heat Hypothesis: that hot temperatures increase aggressive motivations and, in some cases, aggressive behaviours.
People are more likely to get aggressive when the temperatures around them are high.
Heat and Aggression
Craig Anderson, a psychologist studying the relationship between heat and aggression, has written extensively on this topic. He has used data from field studies and data from laboratory settings.
In his field studies, crime rates from hotter, southern cities in the United States were compared with those of northern US cities. Other field studies compare the rates of aggression-related crime within one city but at different times of the year. In both cases, cities that reported higher temperatures (consistently above 90 degrees Fahrenheit or 32 degrees Celsius) had higher incidents of spousal battering, assault rates, and batters being hit by pitches. This last example is interesting: Anderson’s research found that batters are more likely to be hit by a pitch on hot days than on cooler days.
Research conducted in laboratory settings looked at participants’ scores on measures of attitudes, beliefs, and perceptions when temperatures in the lab are very high. Then, they compared it with participants’ results in really cool (or average) temperature settings. These studies show that people tend to be more “cranky” and interpret things more negatively when they are uncomfortably warm.
So, the next time you feel cranky, anxious, or frustrated, pay attention to the temperature around you. Your environment is likely influencing your attitudes and emotions. If so, take a break, do something to cool you off, and remind yourself that the heat is outside your control.
Hoping your week is filled with much knowledge, growth, and comfortable temperatures.
Richard
If you enjoyed this post, then pick up my new book, The Promise Wheel: Psychology For Growth and a Balanced Life. I provide dozens of strategies and insights on how to improve your health, relationships, and career so that you can achieve personal balance, feel less stressed, and have fun again.