The University of New South Wales
Research Field: Social Psychology, Personality Psychology & Social Neuroscience
Dr Denson’s research revolves around three key questions: How can aggressive individuals better control themselves? How can we control our anger? What are the brain and hormonal mechanisms underlying anger regulation, self control, and aggression? Rather than trying to eliminate anger and aggressive impulses, his research focuses on how we can best ‘regulate and control’ these feelings. He has experimentally shown that a higher level of control over anger can be achieved by practicing a self-control exercise, when provoked and given the chance to retaliate. Thomas is aware of the negative impacts of anger and aggression on society and as such has placed a high priority on disseminating his work through media interviews on the implications of his work. He also gives regular talks to practitioners in psychiatry and psychology both here and overseas.