Swearing raises the pain threshold
People who repeat a swear word keep a hand in ice water longer than people who repeat a neutral word.
Strong2 min read
Stephens, Atkins, and Kingston had participants hold a hand in 5 °C water. On the swearing trials they lasted longer and rated the pain a little lower. Heart rate rose more, which fits a brief stress response.
Later work found that the trick works better for people who swear less in daily life. The word has to still be hot. The result is small, repeated, and not a treatment. It is a lever the nervous system actually has.
Caveats
- Effect sizes are modest. It is not anaesthesia.
- The original samples were small. Follow-ups have kept the direction.
Sources
- 1Stephens R., Atkins J., Kingston A.. Swearing as a Response to Pain. NeuroReport 20, 2009.