Swearing may be good for pain relief

The British Psychological Society is unveiling research that suggests that swearing could be good for your health.

At the Society's annual conference in Glasgow next month, they will present information that suggests that cursing can aid in pain relief if used sparingly.

Keele University's School of Psychology conducted the research in question, and found that a group of people who swore rarely were able to withstand pain for 45 seconds longer while swearing than when they weren't allowed to swear.

"Swearing provokes an emotional flight-or-flight response in the face of stress," lead researcher Dr Richard Stephens told The Scotsman. "This study shows that if people want to benefit from swearing they should save it up for when it really matters, when they are in genuine pain."

Despite the results of the research, Stephens claims that advocating the use of swearing in pain management could cause more problems than it is worth for the health industry.

Earlier this month, Dame Helen Mirren caused controversy when she swore during a live broadcast of BBC Breakfast.