A recently released study supports the notion that using swear words can help a person combat pain. According to the study, cursing can provide effective, albeit, short-term pain relief. The study was published in the November 14th issue of The Journal of Pain.
Another study done previously also found that swearing can help people withstand pain. The difference between the more recent study and the previous one is that the newer one takes into account people’s swearing habits.
It seems that if a person swears frequently, its effects on pain relief is lessened, negligible, or not at all. The researchers say, “Swearing is a very emotive form of language and our findings suggest that over-use of swear words can water down their emotion effect.” Used in moderation, swearing can be a useful alternative pain-reliever in situations where you can’t easily access medical care or pain relievers.
There is support for the link between swearing and pain relief, but the underlying reason is unclear. Language activates the cortex (the out layer of the brain) but swearing seems to activate deeper levels—the ones more closely linked to emotions.
Of course, there will be further study of the issue since one study always seem to lead to further avenues that need exploration. The researchers add, “In the context of pain, swearing appears to serve as a simple form of emotional self-management. Whether swearing has beneficial effects in other contexts is something we would like to explore in the future.”
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http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/printerfriendlynews.php?newsid=238525
