Abstract
Previously we showed that swearing produces a pain lessening (hypoalgesic) effect
for many people.
20
This paper assesses whether habituation to swearing occurs such that people who swear
more frequently in daily life show a lesser pain tolerance effect of swearing, compared
with people who swear less frequently. Pain outcomes were assessed in participants
asked to repeat a swear word versus a nonswear word. Additionally, sex differences
and the roles of pain catastrophizing, fear of pain, and daily swearing frequency
were explored. Swearing increased pain tolerance and heart rate compared with not
swearing. Moreover, the higher the daily swearing frequency, the less was the benefit
for pain tolerance when swearing, compared with when not swearing. This paper shows
apparent habituation related to daily swearing frequency, consistent with our theory
that the underlying mechanism by which swearing increases pain tolerance is the provocation
of an emotional response.Perspective
This article presents further evidence that, for many people, swearing (cursing) provides
readily available and effective relief from pain. However, overuse of swearing in
everyday situations lessens its effectiveness as a short-term intervention to reduce
pain.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 14, 2011
Accepted:
September 8,
2011
Received in revised form:
August 31,
2011
Received:
April 4,
2011
Footnotes
The authors are unaware of any conflicts of interest pertaining to this study. The research was carried out without funding.
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 American Pain Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
