Put away the swear jar- psychologist Richard Stephens says cursing is good for you! In Stephens’ book, Black Sheep: The Hidden Benefits of Being Bad, Stephens outlines exactly why we get so much gratification from cursing and the perks of having a potty mouth.
Swearing is often linked to emotional expressiveness, release and a wonderful outlet to relieve tension. As excellent as it feels to colorfully express ourselves, there are certain situations where cursing like a sailor isn’t appropriate. While we’d never want to outright offend anyone, profanity has proven merits! According to a number of recent studies, cursing may help with withstanding pain and performing difficult tasks such as an intense workout. Swearing is also linked to high IQ and it can measure social comfort, authenticity and politeness.
In a series of experiments, Stephens asked participants to perform various tasks. In the first experiment participants were asked to perform grueling intervals on a stationary bike- once without obscenities and once again while using profane language.
In the second task, participants performed a strength training exercise with a handgrip and were instructed to curse and not curse in two separate rounds. When participants were allowed to shout out expletives they had improved strength and endurance.
A recent study titled, “Frankly, We Do Give a Damn: The Relationship Between Profanity and Honesty,” by Michael Kosinski, David Stilwell and a team of researchers in the Netherlands and Hong Kong, discusses how swearing can unify individuals. Stilwell and Kosinski found that swearing creates a sense of trust and familiarity among people.
The next time you feel like dropping some major F bombs- go ahead. You may just make a new friend in the process.
