tower in springtime
By
Carla Sierra
February 24, 2026
Summary
Trinity University communication expert Erin Sumner explains why rage rooms are gaining popularity and what they reveal about stress relief. Her KENS 5 interview explores the psychology behind the trend.
Erin Sumner Headshot

In an interview with KENS 5 News, Trinity University’s Erin Sumner, Ph.D., a professor of human communication, said the growing popularity of rage rooms, especially among women, reflects how “women are generally socialized to not act angry, or if they’re acting angry, to do so in a more feminine way. And yet they’re still angry.” A Live Oak rage room has launched a “Scream Line” that allows callers to vent anonymously. Sumner explained that anger is “a biologically activating emotion,” adding, “When we’re angry, we’re in this really elevated state where we’re ready to fight.” She also noted that anger is “an emotion that a lot of people are afraid of and almost feel guilty” about, helping explain why controlled outlets like rage rooms may appeal to people seeking a safe space to express it. Read or watch the full story here.