How Do Words Hurt Others?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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We’ve all heard the saying, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” But words do hurt when they change our view of ourselves or our perceived value to others , whether they are yelled, uttered sarcastically or stated quietly.

Do words hurt more than actions?

The old adage “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt”, simply is not true , according to researchers. Psychologists found memories of painful emotional experiences linger far longer than those involving physical pain.

How do words cause harm?

Words do hurt. Ridicule, disdain, humiliation, and taunting all cause injury , and when it is delivered in childhood from a child’s peers, verbal abuse causes more than emotional trauma. It inflicts lasting physical effects on brain structure. The remarkable thing about the human brain is that it develops after birth.

Can words be harmful?

While freedom of expression should always be sacrosanct, it is important to recognize some words are harmful. But the reason words can be harmful is not their meaning , but their lack of meaning. ... Often even the same individual can attach clearly inconsistent and contradictory meanings to the same word!

Why do his words hurt so much?

New research shows that the brain’s pain matrix gets activated by pain-related words. When people hear or read words such as “plaguing,” “tormenting” and “grueling,” the section of the brain that retains memories of painful experiences is triggered.

How negative words affect your life?

Put frankly, their study proved that negative words release stress and anxiety-inducing hormones in subjects . Additionally, a study found increased levels of anxiety in children associated with higher rates of negative self-talk.

How do words affect the brain?

According to Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman, words can literally change your brain . ... Positive words, such as “peace” and “love,” can alter the expression of genes, strengthening areas in our frontal lobes and promoting the brain’s cognitive functioning.

What speaks louder than actions?

If you say that actions speak louder than words, you mean that people’s actions show their real attitudes , rather than what they say. This expression is sometimes used to advise a person to do something positive.

What should you do if you hurt someone’s feelings?

  1. Use the power of a sincere apology. Apologies can go a long way toward healing hurt or angry feelings. ...
  2. The important thing about an apology is sincerity. ...
  3. Another element of a sincere apology is the intention to change. ...
  4. Apologizing in person is best. ...
  5. Forgive yourself, too.

What does the Bible say about words that hurt?

Proverbs 11:17 “Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel.” Proverbs 15: 1 “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but hard words stir up anger.” Proverbs 15:4 “ Gentle words bring life and health ; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”

What words can do to a person?

Words can build up or tear down . They can motivate or discourage. Words influence others and build relationships at work and personally. They can tear down relationships.

Why are words more powerful than actions?

Words are more powerful than actions. With words you can influence someone into thinking something , it is the way we communicate and learn. Actions can cause physical pain to us and force us to undergo a certain circumstance but words can actually take over our body.

What are some powerful words?

Happiness Indulgence Gravity Genius Discover Awe-Inspiring Memorable Extraordinary Beautiful Undeniable Hack Breathtaking Unforgettable Latest Dazzling

What are belittling words?

  • contemptuous,
  • decrying,
  • degrading,
  • demeaning,
  • denigrative,
  • denigratory,
  • deprecatory,
  • depreciative,

What are some hurtful words?

  • adverse,
  • bad,
  • baleful,
  • baneful,
  • damaging,
  • dangerous,
  • deleterious,
  • detrimental,

What are toxic words?

  • deadly.
  • harmful.
  • lethal.
  • noxious.
  • pernicious.
  • virulent.
  • baneful.
  • mephitic.
Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.