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6 Ways to Become a Better Complainer
Almost everyone knows a chronic complainer: that person who complains about something insignificant but overlooks every positive aspect of their life. Usually, you don’t always disagree with what they’re complaining about; you’re more bothered by the way they’re complaining: incessantly, ineffectively, and insufferably. And many Athletic Trainers and AT students are definitely guilty of being chronic complainers!
“There is some disagreement among researchers regarding whether complaining is good or bad. I lean toward the side that, if done strategically and in moderation, complaining can be beneficial,” explains Robin Kowalski, Ph.D., a psychologist at Clemson University who studies aversive interpersonal behavior such as complaining.
Research indicates that while complaining can lead to social exclusion and rumination when done well (read: with a specific hope or goal in mind), it can also contribute to greater happiness.
“Our research has shown that, when people complain, they may experience temporary increases in negative affect as they reflect on their dissatisfaction, but after a short period of time, they may actually experience more positive affect,” Kowalski explains. The positive effects arise from releasing pent-up frustration, anger, and other negative emotions.
