Final answer:
The author's use of the underlined phrase helps the reader understand how Alisha feels about her room by emphasizing her negative emotions and dissatisfaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author's use of the underlined phrase helps the reader understand how Alisha feels about her room by emphasizing the negative emotions she feels towards it. By stating that the room has become a means of creating destructive thoughts, the author shows that Alisha is not happy with her room and it is affecting her mental state. This phrase provides insight into Alisha's feelings of dissatisfaction and frustration with her room.