One of the most popular means to help you deal with anger (either at the office, school or home) is the use of voodoo dolls. These dolls are in no way related or manufactured in the religious Voodoo way - they are just small human-like figures made of cloth, clay or rubber and into which you stick pins, needles, and staples. They are used to “vent” your anger that you might have towards your co-workers, or even your boss.

However, opinions to the effectiveness of the dolls are contradictory at best. Many scholars and other experts are of the opinion that voodoo dolls do not lower the angry feelings, but rather increase the violent feelings until they need to be expressed. At this point, the doll no longer suffices and the feelings are taken out on the person in question.

The other group of specialists is divided into two large segments: one that agrees somewhat but states that all it takes is to change the form of the toy and the name: instead of a human-like figure (of a voodoo doll), change it to a square and rename it – this will lessen the desire to harm the individual.

The other group states that sound-of mind people are aware that voodoo dolls are only intended to be “vents” so that there will be no escalating needs.