The effect of swearing on error-related negativity as an indicator for state disinhibition

Swearing has been linked to increased strength performance, and state disinhibition may be the mechanism linking swearing and strength. Error-related negativity (ERN) is a neural signal associated with response monitoring. Its reduction has been proposed as neural marker for state disinhibition, and therefore, we predicted that swearing would lead to a decreased ERN compared with neutral word repetition, indicating state disinhibition. The study (N = 52) used a within-subjects experimental design with two conditions. Participants repeated either a swear or neutral word aloud for 10 s before engaging in an arrowhead flanker task, a grip strength task, and several questionnaires. ERN was measured continually using electroencephalography (EEG). The study replicated previously found effects of swearing on strength, humour, positive emotion, and distraction. In addition, swearing was found to have a significant effect on state behavioural activation (BAS drive). However, results indicated no significant difference between conditions on ERN amplitude. This pre-registered study has confirmed that, relative to a neutral word, repeating a swear word leads to increased performance on a grip strength task while also confirming effects of swearing on positive emotion, humour, and distraction. Its novel contribution is confirming that swearing raises state behavioural activation. This supports application of Hirsh et al.'s state disinhibition theory to swearing to some extent, although the absence of any effect of swearing on ERN limits this interpretation.