"Wrap Rage" causes Injury in Pennsylvania
According to a poll of several Pennsylvania adults, about 17 percent of Pennsylvanians know someone who was suffered injury while opening gifts during a past holiday season. This amazing finding was reported in the 2009 December 5th edition of popular website Science News Daily. The Poll was conducted by the Institute for Good Medicine at the Pennsylvania Medical Society in July of 2009
Several adults in the state of Pennsylvania aged 21 and older were asked “Have you or someone you know ever been injured (such as receiving a cut that required medical attention) while opening the packaging (not gift wrap) of a holiday or birthday gift? When a whopping 17% said yes, researchers were stunned and came to define the phenomena as “wrap rage.”
“Wrap rage” is a term used to describe the rage and frustration involved in opening a tightly and sophisticatedly sealed product package. While consumers, especially gift recipients are often excited and anxious to unleash the product inside the package, they sometimes use rash, unsafe methods of trying to quickly open the product’s box.
Researchers note that the surprisingly common phenomenon isn’t reserved for just Pennsylvanian’s. In fact, 2001 census data suggested that people throughout the United States are twice as likely to suffer from injury from packaging as opposed to a skateboarding or swimming accident.
It is important to remember that, while it is understandable the holiday gifts can be exciting for people of all ages, it’s important to stay calm and play it safe when opening packaging. In other words, avoid “wrap rage.” Try to avoid the use of sharp objects to open packaging, but when they are necessary, be sure to cut away from your body and refrain from using your legs to keep the product stable. Always avoid opening tough-to-open packages around children or in a crowded area, and to play it extra safe, wear protective gloves.
