# The psychology of swearing, with Richard Stephens, PhD

An episode of [Speaking of Psychology](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/705934263), 9 Apr 2025, 33 min.

Audio: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/AMERICANPSYCHOLOGICALASSOCIATION5216466313.mp3?updated=1749840667

What’s your first reaction when someone cuts you off in traffic or you stub your toe? Do you let out a choice word or two? Richard Stephens, PhD, talks about the psychology of swearing, including his research on why swearing can increase people’s pain tolerance and strength during stressful or painful moments; how swearing is processed in the brain; and the increasing acceptance of swearing in daily life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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