Swearing can lessen pain

Posted on Monday, July 20 2009 @ 10:20 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
Researchers from the school of psychology at Britain's Keele University have found that swearing can have a pain-lessening effect:
Their study involved 64 volunteers who were each asked to put their hand in a tub of ice water for as long as possible while repeating a swear word of their choice.

They then repeated the experiment using a more commonplace word that they would use to describe a table.

The researchers found the volunteers were able to keep their hands in the ice water for a longer time when swearing, establishing a link between swearing and an increase in pain tolerance.


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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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