Humour: More Than Just a Laugh
Psychology and Humour By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist
Humour as a Regulatory Function in Our Busy and Often Stressful Lives
Psychology and humour. Modern life often feels marked by stress, loss, and unrelenting demands—and in this context, intentionally engaging with humour might seem trivial. However, research suggests otherwise: laughter and humour are not merely indulgences. From a psychological perspective, humour is a potent mechanism for self-regulation, emotional connection, and stress relief. It can significantly influence our mood, body chemistry, and autonomic nervous system.
Psychology and Humour and a Word on Boundaries
This does need to be said prior to launching into the virtues of humour. Humour can feel good but can also cause hurt. The humour that supports wellbeing is inclusive, compassionate, and often gently self-deprecating—it is aimed at connection, not comparison or division. Not all humour is helpful. Sarcasm, ridicule, or humour used to deflect emotion can reinforce disconnection or defensive coping. Okay, now back to the good bits.
The Neuroscience of Laughter
Laughter stimulates the release of a mix of feel-good neurochemicals in the brain, including dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins.
- Dopamine – supports motivation, reward, and mood regulation.
- Endorphins – act as natural painkillers, contributing to feelings of ease and wellbeing.
- Serotonin – helps stabilise mood and fosters emotional resilience.
Laughter also decreases levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. This neurochemical shift promotes a state of relaxed and grounded alertness, making us better able to engage and respond thoughtfully rather than reactively.
Psychology and Humour: The Benefits
Engaging with humour offers several psychological benefits that support emotional wellbeing, connection, and resilience:
- Lifts mood: Lightness and laughter can break cycles of rumination or low mood.
- Fosters connection: Shared humour deepens social bonds and a sense of belonging.
- Increases resilience: Humour can be a buffer against distress, allowing us to face adversity with more flexibility.
- Enhances perspective: Playful or ironic thinking helps us see situations from multiple angles.
Psychology and Humour | Intentional Humour
While spontaneous laughter is wonderful, it’s also possible to intentionally cultivate humour as a form of emotional hygiene and nervous system support. This might include:
- Watching or reading something funny
- Sharing light moments with others
- Reflecting on the absurdity of everyday situations
- Noting amusing things in a journal or voice memo
It’s not about ignoring seriousness—it’s about making space for humour beside it. Humour offers a sense of lightness, relief, and a gentle reset for the nervous system.
Closing Thoughts
Humour has the potential to soothe the nervous system, lift our spirits, and deepen social bonds. For individuals navigating stress, mental health challenges, or burnout, humour can become an important ally—not by denying pain, but by offering a softening presence alongside it. Humour can be more than a reaction—it can be a strategy or a tool we intentionally engage with to support our wellbeing.
References & Resources
- Berk, L. S., & Tan, S. A. (1996). The psychoneuroimmunology of humour. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 2(6), 63–75.
- Porges, S. W. (2011). The Polyvagal Theory: Neurophysiological Foundations of Emotions, Attachment, Communication, and Self-Regulation.
- Martin, R. A. (2007). The Psychology of Humor: An Integrative Approach.
- The British Psychological Society – Humour
- HCP – The Psychology of Fun
