Result: Only the F word had any effect on pain outcome. The team also measured the subjects' pain threshold by asking them to indicate when ice water started to cause pain. Those who repeated the F-word waited longer before indicating that they felt pain—in other words, swearing increased their pain threshold. Singing “fush” or “twizpipe” had no effect on either measure.
Damn it, go for it
In his latest research, Stevens was interested in exploring the potential mechanisms of profanity as a possible form of disinhibition (usually viewed negatively), drawing on his team's experiences. 2018 And 2022 papers showing that swearing can improve strength in chair push-ups. “In many situations, people hold themselves back, consciously or unconsciously, from using their full power.” Stevens said. “By swearing, we release social constraints and allow ourselves to be more empowered in different situations. Swearing is an easily accessible way to help ourselves feel focused, confident and less distracted, and to 'get it done' a little more.”
In two separate experiments, participants were asked to choose a swear word they would typically use after, say, hitting their head, and a more neutral word to describe an inanimate object, such as a table. They then performed the aforementioned chair push-up task by sitting on a sturdy chair and placing their hands under their hips, fingers pointing inward. They then lifted their feet off the floor and straightened their arms to support their body weight for as long as possible, repeating either a swear word or a neutral word every two seconds. Subjects then completed a questionnaire to assess various aspects of their mental state during the task.
Results: Subjects who cursed during the task were able to support their body weight for much longer than those who simply repeated a neutral word. This confirms published results from similar studies in the past. In addition, subjects reported increased feelings of psychological flow, distraction, and self-confidence—all indicators of increased disinhibition.
“These results help explain why swearing is so common.” Stevens said. “Before is literally a calorie-neutral, drug-free, inexpensive and easily accessible tool that is at our disposal when we need to increase productivity.” Next, the team plans to study the impact of swearing on public speaking and romantic behavior, since in these situations most people are more indecisive and less confident and therefore more likely to hold back.
DOI: American Psychologist, 2025. 10.1037/amp0001650 (About DOI).
