Citation

Stone TE, McMillan M, Hazelton M. Aggress. Violent Behav. 2015; 25: 65-74.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.avb.2015.07.012

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on swearing in English with particular emphasis on healthcare contexts, a previously neglected area of research. The review commences with a discussion of the nature of swearing, definitional considerations, and its prevalence. This is followed by an outline of the uses and functions of swearwords, and discussion of those aspects of swearing linked to illness, aggression, gender, and mental health problems. The final section focuses on the importance of appropriate responses to swearing to the practice of health professionals, in particular, those within the nursing profession.

Language: en