Swearing can be beneficial for a person's health

Scientists suggest that cursing is a "cathartic" method of releasing frustration and leads to less depression and anxiety than politeness.

A study of 98 men and 155 women in Pakistan compared how often they used bad language to self-related scores on mental health.

Participants from both sexes scored equally in terms of anxiety and depression, but those who used expletives regularly scored lower.

Dr Waqar Husain, who led the research for Comsats University in Islamabad, said: "Swearing is a natural response to release stress and to avoid pain.

"It can serve as an unconscious self-defence mechanism to reduce the effects of daily stressors."

He continued: "The findings reveal significantly lower levels of depression and stress among those who scored higher on profanity.

"Profanity is a form of emotional expression, and this is regarded as helpful for better psychological well-being.

"Suppressing or repressing emotions, on the other hand, has been seen negatively with regard to mental health."

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