Bad words are something of a taboo in society. They are bleeped from television, unprofessional in the workplace, and impolite. These words have negative meanings attached to them and we often use them to make others feel bad. But according to a new study, swearing can relieve physical and social pain when used in a particular context.
Accidental swearing
We have all accidentally burned our skin or banged our toe, leading to an immediate exclamation of pain in the form of a swear word. This has proven to reduce the immediate pain to a slight degree. It’s now been shown to reduce “short-term social distress”—the kind stemming from emotional pain that occurs from quarrels with a significant other or being excluded from a social situation.
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“Social stressors, like rejection and ostracism, not only feel painful but also increase peoples’ sensitivity to physical pain. Pain Overlap Theory suggests that social distress feels painful because both social and physical pain is biologically coupled. Pain overlap theory predicts that anything affecting physical pain should have similar effects on social pain,” said Dr. Philipp, director of the Social Cognition Lab at Massey’s Manawatū Campus.
Profanity relieves specific types of pain
The theory is that saying swear words aloud is part of a cathartic healing process, helping to dilute the intensity of pain, possibly by distraction.
While previous studies have already made a correlation between the use of swear words and their ability to reduce pain, this is the first to investigate whether it can alleviate social distress.
The study in question involved 70 participants who were split into two groups. The participants were asked to write down an inclusive or distressing social event to help induce those corresponding emotions. Either group was assigned a swear word or a non-swear to say aloud. Each was then tested for feelings of social pain and sensitivity to physical pain.
“The results suggest that socially distressed participants who swore out loud experienced less social pain than those who did not. They also experienced less sensitivity to physical pain,” says Dr. Philipp.
The researchers warn that using swear words too often or when not in significant distress can weaken this observed effect. When used sparingly, their healing properties can be beneficial. Also, swearing shouldn’t be viewed as an easy remedy for serious pain, abuse, or trauma, and clinical care should be sought in these cases.
Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013.
