Speaking of Psychology
The psychology of swearing, with Richard Stephens, PhD
Apr 9, 2025
Richard Stephens, PhD, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Keele University, dives into the captivating world of swearing. He reveals how swearing boosts pain tolerance and physical performance, a phenomenon he coined 'lalochesia.' The conversation explores the brain's unique processing of profane language and its surprising neurological underpinnings. Stephens also discusses the shifting societal views on swearing, its psychological benefits, and how it can enhance emotional strength in stressful situations, especially for bilingual individuals.
33:18
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Quick takeaways
- Swearing has been shown to significantly increase pain tolerance and physical performance by activating the body's fight-or-flight response.
- The cultural acceptance of swearing is evolving, potentially leading to diminished emotional impact and a need for new expressions of profanity.
Deep dives
The Psychological Benefits of Swearing
Swearing has been linked to various psychological benefits, particularly in pain management and stress relief. Research indicates that individuals who use swear words during moments of pain, such as stubbing a toe or dealing with cold stimuli, demonstrate increased pain tolerance. Studies conducted by Dr. Richard Stevens have shown that participants can keep their hands submerged in ice-cold water longer while repeating a swear word compared to a neutral word. This suggests that uttering taboo words activates a psychological response that not only distracts from pain but also enhances one’s capacity to endure it.
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