Swearing May Boost Confidence, Reduce Inhibitions: New Study

Swearing could boost physical performance by helping one overcome inhibitions, feel focussed and push harder on tests of strength and endurance, according to a study.

- Press Trust Of India

While cursing is socially frowned upon, cathartic effects of expletives have been previously studied to boost physical performance, reduce anxiety and stress, and enhance memory, with an overuse lowering their power. "But the question is -- how is swearing helping us? What's the psychological mechanism?" study author Richard Stephens, senior lecturer in psychology at Keele University in the UK, said. The study, published in the journal American Psychologist, examined 192 people, who were asked to do chair push-ups and repeat a curse word of personal choice -- or a neutral word -- every two seconds.