A new study suggests that swearing may do more than just help people vent frustration—it could also provide a measurable physical advantage. According to research published by the American Psychological Association, swearing has been shown to enhance performance in strength and endurance tasks by reducing mental restraint and increasing focus.
The study, published in the journal American Psychologist, was led by Dr. Richard Stephens of Keele University in the U.K. “In many situations, people hold themselves back—consciously or unconsciously—from using their full strength,” Stephens said. “Swearing is an easily available way to feel more focused and confident.”
Previous research by Stephens and colleagues has repeatedly linked swearing with improved endurance, including the ability to tolerate pain during tasks such as holding a hand in ice water or sustaining a chair push-up.
To explore the underlying mechanism, the research team conducted two controlled experiments with a total of 192 participants. In both experiments, individuals performed a chair push-up exercise while repeating either a swear word or a neutral word at regular intervals. They then completed surveys assessing emotional state, confidence, and mental focus.
The results confirmed earlier findings: participants who engaged in swearing were able to hold the position significantly longer than those who used neutral words. The improvement was associated with increased psychological flow, higher confidence, and reduced distraction.
“Swearing appears to put people in a disinhibited state, which helps reduce internal constraints and enhances effort,” Stephens explained.
Study co-author Nicholas Washmuth, DPT, of the University of Alabama in Huntsville, said future research will look beyond physical performance. “We’re now studying how swearing impacts public speaking and romantic interactions—situations where hesitation often holds people back.”
Researchers say these findings reinforce the idea that cursing can be a useful, low-cost psychological tool, especially in high-pressure scenarios requiring extra effort or confidence.