Catharsis vs. Cathartic — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Catharsis involves the process of releasing and thereby providing relief from strong emotions, while cathartic describes something that enables this emotional release.
Difference Between Catharsis and Cathartic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Catharsis is a noun that refers to the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief from, strong or repressed emotions. On the other hand, cathartic is an adjective that describes anything that facilitates this process of emotional release.
In psychology, catharsis is often used to describe therapeutic techniques that help individuals release pent-up emotions, which can lead to a sense of renewal or restoration. Conversely, a cathartic experience, activity, or object is specifically something that induces such a release, like watching a dramatic movie or engaging in intense physical activity.
The concept of catharsis has roots in ancient Greek philosophy, where it was originally used to describe the emotional purging that audience members experienced during a tragedy. Whereas, describing something as cathartic means it serves as a medium or tool for achieving that emotional cleansing.
Catharsis can occur during various therapeutic sessions, where patients are encouraged to express deep feelings about past traumas. Cathartic, however, would describe the methods used within these sessions such as storytelling or art therapy that help trigger the emotional release.
Both terms are connected through their emotional impact, but catharsis is the end process the actual release and relief while cathartic points to the mechanisms or experiences that lead to this endpoint.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Noun
Adjective
Definition
The process of releasing repressed emotions
Describing something that facilitates emotional release
Usage in Therapy
Refers to the outcome or goal of therapeutic techniques
Describes the methods or tools used in therapy
Origin
Ancient Greek drama
Derived from the concept of catharsis
Examples
Therapeutic sessions, emotional discussions
Dramatic films, physical exertion, expressive art
Compare with Definitions
Catharsis
A release of emotional tension, after an overwhelming vicarious experience, that restores or refreshes the spirit.
Watching the intense movie was a catharsis for her, as she cried and released her pent-up emotions.
Cathartic
Referring to a drastic change that leads to emotional renewal.
The move to a new city was a cathartic experience for her, giving her a fresh start.
Catharsis
In literature and art, the process of releasing, and thereby providing relief to, emotions such as pity and fear.
The tragedy of the play allowed for an emotional catharsis for the audience.
Cathartic
Having the effect of catharsis; emotionally purging.
The cathartic play left the audience in tears but also with a sense of relief.
Catharsis
A method to remove emotional toxins and relieve stress.
For him, running marathons was a catharsis, helping him clear his mind and relax.
Cathartic
Of or relating to the purification or purgation of the emotions (primarily pity and fear) as a result of art.
The film was cathartic, allowing viewers to confront their own fears and find closure.
Catharsis
A psychological release through which one can achieve a state of moral or spiritual renewal, or achieve a state of liberation from anxiety and stress.
The therapy session provided him a catharsis that was much needed after years of guilt.
Cathartic
Describing actions or experiences that lead to emotional release and calmness.
His daily journaling routine was cathartic, helping him manage stress more effectively.
Catharsis
Any purification or purging that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension.
Many people use music as a form of catharsis.
Cathartic
Psychotherapy that encourages or permits the discharge of pent-up, socially unacceptable affects.
Her cathartic moments during the counseling sessions were transformative.
Catharsis
Catharsis (from Greek κάθαρσις, katharsis, meaning "purification" or "cleansing" or "clarification") is the purification and purgation of emotions—particularly pity and fear—through art or any extreme change in emotion that results in renewal and restoration. It is a metaphor originally used by Aristotle in the Poetics, comparing the effects of tragedy on the mind of a spectator to the effect of catharsis on the body.
Cathartic
In medicine, a cathartic is a substance that accelerates defecation. This is similar to a laxative, which is a substance that eases defecation, usually by softening feces.
Catharsis
(Medicine) Purgation, especially for the digestive system.
Cathartic
Inducing catharsis; purgative.
Catharsis
A purifying or figurative cleansing of the emotions, especially pity and fear, described by Aristotle as an effect of tragic drama on its audience.
Cathartic
An agent for purging the bowels, especially a laxative.
Catharsis
A release of emotional tension, as after an overwhelming experience, that restores or refreshes the spirit.
Cathartic
Purgative; inducing mental or physical catharsis.
Shaving, my favorite activity, is very cathartic.
Catharsis
A technique used to relieve tension and anxiety by bringing repressed feelings and fears to consciousness.
Cathartic
That which releases emotional tension, especially after an overwhelming experience.
Catharsis
The therapeutic result of this process; abreaction.
Cathartic
(medicine) A laxative.
Catharsis
(drama) A release of emotional tension after an overwhelming vicarious experience, resulting in the purging or purification of the emotions, as through watching a dramatic production (especially a tragedy).
Cathartic
Cleansing the bowels; promoting evacuations by stool; purgative.
Catharsis
Any release of emotional tension to the same effect, more widely.
Cathartic
Of or pertaining to the purgative principle of senna, as cathartic acid.
Catharsis
A purification or cleansing, especially emotional.
Cathartic
A medicine that promotes alvine discharges; a purge; a purgative of moderate activity.
Catharsis
(psychology) A therapeutic technique to relieve tension by re-establishing the association of an emotion with the memory or idea of the event that first caused it, and then eliminating it by complete expression (called the abreaction).
Cathartic
A purging medicine; stimulates evacuation of the bowels
Catharsis
(medicine) Purging of the digestive system.
Cathartic
Emotionally purging
Catharsis
A natural or artificial purgation of any passage, as of the mouth, bowels, etc.
Cathartic
Emotionally purging (of e.g. art)
Catharsis
The process of relieving an abnormal excitement by reëstablishing the association of the emotion with the memory or idea of the event that first caused it, and of eliminating it by complete expression (called the abreaction).
Cathartic
Strongly laxative
Catharsis
(psychoanalysis) purging of emotional tensions
Catharsis
Purging the body by the use of a cathartic to stimulate evacuation of the bowels
Common Curiosities
Is catharsis beneficial in psychology?
Yes, catharsis is considered beneficial as it helps individuals deal with and move past repressed emotions, leading to psychological relief and renewal.
What types of activities are typically considered cathartic?
Activities like writing, art, intense physical exercise, or therapies that involve expressing emotions are typically considered cathartic.
Can a person be cathartic?
Yes, a person can be described as cathartic if their presence or actions help others to release emotions.
Can watching a movie be cathartic?
Yes, watching a movie can be cathartic, especially if it triggers strong emotional responses that lead to a release of feelings.
Why is cathartic release important in therapy?
Cathartic release is important in therapy as it allows individuals to confront and purge emotions that have been repressed, which is essential for healing and mental health.
What is the primary difference between catharsis and cathartic?
Catharsis is the process of emotional release, whereas cathartic describes something that aids in this process.
How does catharsis relate to drama and literature?
In drama and literature, catharsis refers to the emotional release that the audience experiences as a result of the dramatic arc of the narrative, particularly in tragedies.
What is an example of a cathartic experience outside of therapy?
An example of a cathartic experience outside of therapy could be engaging in a spirited debate that allows one to express and resolve deep-seated feelings.
How do catharsis and cathartic relate to each other?
Catharsis is the process or result of releasing emotional tension, whereas cathartic refers to the means or activities that facilitate this emotional release.
How does the concept of catharsis play into group therapy?
In group therapy, sharing experiences and emotions can lead to catharsis for individuals, facilitated by the support and understanding of the group.
Can physical exercise be cathartic?
Yes, physical exercise, especially intense types like boxing or running, can be very cathartic as it helps release endorphins and reduce stress.
What are some examples of cathartic methods used in psychotherapy?
Examples include expressive writing, drama therapy, and guided imagery, all of which can facilitate emotional expression and processing.
How is catharsis achieved in art therapy?
In art therapy, catharsis is achieved by creating art that expresses complex emotions, which helps to confront and resolve underlying issues.
What is a historical example of catharsis?
Historically, the tragedies of ancient Greek playwrights like Sophocles were designed to provoke catharsis by eliciting pity and fear from the audience.
Is crying considered a cathartic action?
Yes, crying can be considered a cathartic action as it often helps release emotional tension and stress.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
