New research led by psychologists from Keele University and 萝莉岛app (UAH) has found that swearing can enhance physical performance and self-confidence by freeing people psychologically to 鈥渘ot hold back.鈥�
The study, recently published in , a prestigious journal of the American Psychological Association, offers the strongest evidence yet that swearing boosts performance by promoting a temporary state of disinhibition鈥攁 loosening of self-restraint that allows individuals to act more freely, confidently, and with sharper focus.
The international research team was led by , senior lecturer in psychology at and expert on emotional language, in collaboration with Nick Washmuth, a first-year doctoral student in UAH鈥檚 Department of Psychology, along with Keele researchers Harry Dowber and Chris Richardson.
鈥淚n many situations, people tend to hold themselves back鈥攖hey hesitate, overthink, or doubt themselves,鈥� said Washmuth. 鈥淥ur research shows that swearing can help disrupt that self-limiting mindset. Swearing helps people 鈥榞o for it鈥� by increasing focus, flow, and self-confidence.鈥�
The study, titled , had participants complete a chair push-up task, lifting themselves off a chair using only their arms for as long as possible, while either repeating a swear word or a neutral word. Participants performed significantly better in the swearing condition, and it was also found that swearing increased psychological flow, self-confidence, and focus, which mediated the performance boost.
These findings could have practical implications in sports performance, physical rehabilitation, and other situations that require overcoming hesitation or mental barriers. According to the researchers, swearing may serve as a simple, accessible psychological 鈥渨arm-up鈥� that helps individuals reach peak performance.
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