Research from Kiel University in Germany has revealed that using profanity can help people feel more confident and perform better on physically demanding tasks.
So, if you find yourself cursing while hauling a heavy up the stairs just before the , it might not feel like such an impossible task. As the research team noted, swearing can enhance physical performance and reduce feelings of embarrassment.
“In many situations, people consciously or unconsciously hold back from using all their strength. Swear words provide an accessible way to push a little harder and feel more focused and confident,” said psychologist Richard Stephens, the lead researcher.
How Did the Researchers Reach These Conclusions?
Previously, researchers had noticed that during experiments, swearing increased the strength and pain threshold of participants who repeated profane words while pushing their limits. For instance, pedaling a bike at maximum speed or keeping their hand submerged in icy water. At that time, scientists speculated that swearing triggered a “fight or flight” response. However, they found no evidence to support this theory, as reported by The Guardian.
According to the latest study, however, profanity induces a state of disinhibition. “When we swear, we shed social constraints and allow ourselves to act more decisively,” Dr. Stephens explained.
To test this hypothesis, researchers conducted two experiments involving 192 volunteers. In each experiment, participants were asked to repeat either a swear word or a neutral word (of their choice) every two seconds while doing push-ups from a chair. After completing the exercise, the volunteers answered questions about their mental state during the task.
The responses indicated that swearing boosted participants’ self-confidence and improved their psychological state, both of which are crucial aspects of disinhibition. Confirming previous findings, researchers discovered that swearing helped increase the duration participants could hold their bodies during push-ups by 11 percent.
Key Takeaways
“These results explain why swearing is so prevalent,” Dr. Stephens noted. He also suggested that the power of profanity likely lies in its taboo nature.
The team is now exploring whether the confidence boost associated with swearing can help in other situations, such as public speaking or trying to initiate romantic relationships.
“There are many situations where indecision can be detrimental. You could probably step into a quiet room, let out a few curse words, and then go out and deliver a presentation. I’m sure some people do just that,” Dr. Stephens said.
However, he cautioned that using profanity is not an entirely safe strategy. “You can never be completely sure that people will respond positively to swearing. It’s important to know your audience and those around you. Inappropriate swearing can lead to trouble,” the scientist warned.
The findings of the study were published in the journal American Psychologist.
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