Does it work? According to Men's Journal magazine   NO. Believe it or not, venting your anger will NOT diffuse it. In study after study, researchers have found the notion of "catharsis" to be nothing but a crock. Sure, doing something like punching a pillow might distract you from your anger or stress, but more than anything, it'll just heighten what you're already feeling.
And if you imagine the face of your neglectful mate on the pillow, not only will you get more aggressive, but you'll also re-activate the networks in your brain where your anger starts. The result: A never ending cycle of stress. So rather than beat the heck out of your pillow, experts say put your head on it instead, and just let yourself calm down.
You'll be healthier for it.