Study: Swearing lets people focus better, push beyond limit | India News
To understand why this happens, the researchers examined psychological factors such as focus, confidence, distraction and humour. They found that swearing helped participants stay more absorbed, feel less distracted by discomfort and feel more confident about continuing.The study describes this effect as a brief psychological state in which people become less self-conscious and less constrained by internal rules – a phenomenon known as “state disinhibition”. In simple terms, swearing helped people not hold back.Dr Rajul Aggarwal, unit head and senior consultant in neurology at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, Delhi, said swearing triggers a complex neurological reaction. “Profanity activates emotion-related regions of the brain while temporarily reducing inhibitory control from the prefrontal cortex,” he said. “This release can sharpen focus, increase tolerance to pain and improve task performance, even under pressure.” Dr Pavitra Shankar, associate consultant in psychiatry at Aakash Healthcare, said swearing can serve as a brief emotional release in stressful situations, helping people regain focus and confidence.
