Swearing Found to Boost Strength and Pain Tolerance, Study Reveals

New research suggests that swearing not only helps alleviate pain but also enhances physical strength and endurance. A study published in the journal American Psychologist outlines the “hypoalgesic effect of swearing,” indicating that cursing can be a beneficial response to pain.

The study’s co-author, Richard Stephens, a psychologist at Keele University, first became interested in the implications of profanity during his wife’s childbirth experience. He noted her use of “unsavory language” and began to question whether swearing could genuinely help mitigate pain. In a previous study conducted in 2009, which won the 2010 Ig Nobel Peace Prize, Stephens and his team engaged 67 college students in a pain tolerance test using ice water. Participants either swore or recited a neutral word while submerged. Those who swore reported a significant decrease in pain, allowing them to keep their hands in the icy water for an average of 40 seconds longer compared to when they used neutral terms.

Further analysis indicated that swearing might be a primitive reflex, serving as a form of emotional release. A follow-up study in 2011 reinforced these findings, revealing that individuals who rarely swore experienced greater pain relief when they did. Their heart rates also increased during swearing, suggesting a physiological response.

In 2020, Stephens’ team revisited this topic, employing the same methodology as in the earlier studies. Participants were asked to chant either the F-word or made-up terms like “fouch” and “twizpipe.” The results indicated that only the F-word had any significant impact on pain tolerance, with participants who chanted it waiting longer before feeling discomfort.

Understanding the Mechanisms Behind Swearing

The latest research delves deeper into the reasons why swearing may boost physical performance. The team has previously shown in studies from 2018 and 2022 that swearing can enhance strength in a chair push-up task. According to Stephens, swearing may allow individuals to overcome self-imposed limitations. He stated, “In many situations, people hold themselves back—consciously or unconsciously—from using their full strength. By swearing, we throw off social constraint and allow ourselves to push harder.”

In two separate experiments, participants selected a swear word and a neutral term, then performed chair push-ups while chanting these words. Results showed that those who swore could support their body weight for longer than those who used neutral terms. Participants also reported feeling more focused, confident, and less distracted, indicating a psychological state conducive to enhanced performance.

Stephens concludes, “These findings help explain why swearing is so commonplace. Swearing is literally a calorie-neutral, drug-free, low-cost, readily available tool at our disposal for when we need a boost in performance.”

The research team plans to further investigate the influence of swearing on public speaking and romantic interactions, as these contexts often induce hesitation and self-doubt. By exploring these areas, they hope to uncover more about how swearing can serve as a tool for social and psychological empowerment.