Type of Document	Dissertation
Author	Gitter, Seth Adam
Author's Email Address	gitter@psy.fsu.edu
URN	etd-07262010-163449
Title	Shooting the Shit: Profanity, Self-Control, and Aggressive Behavior
Degree	Doctor of Philosophy
Department	Psychology, Department of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Dianne Tice Committee Chair Jesse Cougle Committee Member Roy F. Baumeister Committee Member Thomas Joiner Committee Member Carter Hay University Representative
Keywords	Profanity Cuss Swear Self-regulation Self-control Aggression
Date of Defense	2010-06-17
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract 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.
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