Profanity, Self-Control, and Aggressive Behavior

By Seth Adam Gitter

A recent Supreme Court case conferred the FCC with the ability to increase the fines for

profane language on television as well as to expand their definition of what is deemed offensive.

These actions appear to be based on the belief that profane language negatively impacts human

behavior. Yet little research exists to indicate that profane language has any effect on human

behavior, much less negative effects. The current studies sought to examine the effect of

exposure to profane language on human behavior. Specifically, we tested whether profane

language would impact factors related to self-control. Two studies provide evidence that

profanity can either decrease or increase self-control based on factors of the situation in which

the swearing occurred and personal factors of those who are being exposed. A third study

provides evidence that exposure to profanity decreases the perception of the strictness of social

norms by those who are exposed to it.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1835710239
• ISBN13: 9781835710234
• Release Date: October 2023
• Publisher: Areeb Irshad
• Length: 80 Pages
• Weight: 0.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"