Humour: More Than Just a Laugh

By David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist

Humour as a Regulatory Function in Our Busy and Often Stressful Lives

Modern life often feels marked by high stress 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 (1, 2).

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 (5). 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 (1):

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 (1).

Psychological Benefits of Humour

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 (2).
Fosters connection: Shared humour deepens social bonds and a sense of belonging (3).
Increases resilience: Humour can be a buffer against distress, allowing us to face adversity with more flexibility (4).
Enhances perspective: Playful or ironic thinking helps us see situations from multiple angles (4).

Intentional Humour

While spontaneous laughter is wonderful, it is 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 is not about ignoring seriousness. It is about making space for humour beside it. Humour offers a sense of lightness, relief, and a gentle reset for the nervous system (2).

In Summary

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 (3, 5).

References and Resources

Kramer, C. K., & Leitao, C. B. (2023). Laughter as medicine: A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies evaluating the impact of spontaneous laughter on cortisol levels. PLOS ONE, 18(5), e0286260. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0286260
Sarink, F. S. M., & García-Montes, J. M. (2023). Humor interventions in psychotherapy and their effect on levels of depression and anxiety in adult clients: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13, 1049476. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1049476
Kafle, E., Papastavrou Brooks, C., Chawner, D., Foye, U., & Declercq, D. (2023). “Beyond laughter”: A systematic review to understand how interventions utilise comedy for individuals experiencing mental health problems. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1161703. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1161703
Goodwin, J., O’Malley, M., & McCarthy, K. (2024). How do mental health professionals use humor? A systematic review. Journal of Creativity in Mental Health, 19(4), 673–690. https://doi.org/10.1080/15401383.2024.2304605
Martin, R. A. (2007). The psychology of humor: An integrative approach. Elsevier Academic Press.

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Psychology and Humour | Cartoon of David the Psychologist smiling while adjusting rose-coloured bifocal glasses. Text reads: “Rose-coloured glasses now in bifocals. Now I can consider another perspective without leaving the comfort of my denial.” — David the Psychologist reflects on perspective, humour, and denial—all without removing his rose-coloured bifocals.

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