Swearing, Self, and School: A Phenomenological Study of Profanity in High School Students’ Everyday School Interactions

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• Allan Gabriel R. Aman, Quezon Science High SchoolFollow
• Kasxandra Lovell G. Presas, Quezon Science High SchoolFollow
• Science A. Sandoval, Quezon Science High SchoolFollow
• Nico Gabriel M. Catalla, Quezon Science High SchoolFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Family, Relations, and Social Structure (FRS)

School Name

Quezon Science High School

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Tagudin, Jenina Nicole L.

Start Date

23-6-2026 3:30 PM

End Date

23-6-2026 5:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

DLSU Manila Campus (In-person) - Don Enrique T. Yuchengco Hall - Y405

Abstract/Executive Summary

This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of Quezon Science High School students regarding the use of profanity in daily school interactions, a practice often viewed as socially inappropriate but widely used among peers. Through semi-structured interviews, the researchers gathered that the significance of profanity lies not in the utterance itself but in the brief intensity it carries and the conscious self-adjustment that follows. Participants described how profanity allows for the immediate expression of strong emotions while simultaneously requiring awareness of social norms and consideration of others' perspectives. This study reveals the essence of profanity and how high school students inhabit and interpret their social interactions within the school environment.

Keywords

profanity; phenomenology; self-awareness; peer interaction; school language norms

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes