Humor | Psychology Today Australia
Humor
What Makes a Good Sense of Humor?
The capacity to express or perceive what's funny, humor, is both a source of entertainment and a means of coping with difficult or awkward situations and stressful events. Although it provokes laughter, humor can be serious business. From its most lighthearted forms to its more absurd ones, humor can play an instrumental role in forming social bonds, releasing tension, or attracting a mate. Most important, humor is largely subjective.
A universal theory is that good humor should be unexpected and incongruent; things that don’t belong together should appear funny when put together. However, not everything surprising can be deemed funny. Tripping over a friend’s foot is surprising but decidedly not funny. Another quirk about humor is that the very funny among us are more open to experience, more curious in general, and may even enjoy a higher than average IQ.
There is a dark side to humor, however. When it is hostile, antagonistic, degrading, or displays a sense of superiority, an attempt at humor can divide people rather than bring them closer together. Of course, the shortcomings and imperfections of others—and oneself—have long been fodder for comedians. When exactly a joke "goes too far" and ceases to be funny, and why, is one of many lingering questions about the psychology of humor.
What Makes Something Funny?
There are as many different functions and styles of humor as there are versions of the old joke, "How many ____ does it take to change a light bulb?" There are also as many variations on what comedians will say and do to provoke laughter as there are different types of people who tend to laugh at specific types of jokes.
Sarcasm, for example, is a type of humor that often is hostile in nature and ultimately carries underlying negativity. Comedians who use this strategy include Bill Murray and Sarah Silverman.
Scientists have proposed competing explanations for why some things are funnier than others. The act of violating expectations is central to more than one account of what makes a joke impactful. Culture, age, political orientation, and many other factors play a role in whether a joke falls flat.
Read More
Can Psychology Explain Humor?
How to Be Funnier
Humor as "Social Radar"
Why It's Important to Have a Sense of Humor
Here are some facts about humor and how it can affect everyday living—from home like to office life.
Humor can be used to diffuse conflict. A well-timed quip in the middle of a heated argument can relieve tension.
Laughter may improve the immune system, blood pressure, and blood flow.
People, especially disengaged employees, laugh less during the work week when compared with the weekend.
A fun work environment can reduce employee turnover and burnout.
Humor is a desired trait in leaders.
Read More
Can Humor Boost Your Health?
An Awful Joke Can Feel Pretty Good
Why Comedians Are Master Psychologists
Men, Women and Humor
Gender plays a role in what people consider funny. Research indicates that men appreciate dark, aggressive, and satirical humor more than women, on average. Men are also more inclined to like humor that is overtly sexual and shocking (think of Andrew Dice Clay or Sacha Baron Cohen).
Women, meanwhile, may have more appreciation for sentimental comedy and prefer friendly humor, comedians who are relatable, and the ability to tell a good story (Ellen Degeneres, Tina Fey).
Men have long been regarded as the most prolific producers of comedy. However, this may be changing with the growing success of funny women (such as Melissa McCarthy, Ali Wong, and many others).
Read More
Are Men Really Funnier Than Women?
Does Calling It a Joke Make Sexism More Acceptable?
Essential Reads
Why I Study Laughing Babies
Is this the cutest job in psychology?
Authenticity in Comedy, Crisis, and Beyond
Struggling with the pandemic? A healthy dose of honesty might help.
Humour in Dark Times
Why Andrew Cuomo didn't shy away from a joke in such dark times.
Three Ways to Laugh More
Laughing stimulates endorphins and helps you avoid cortisol. Here are three simple strategies that anyone can use.
Recent Posts
How Humor Can Uplift Your Spirits During Hard Times
Bryan E. Robinson Ph.D. on April 23, 2020 in The Right Mindset
Laughing—even fake laughing—for just one minute a day can dampen stress, ease pain, lower blood pressure, stoke your immune system, and brighten your mental outlook.
What's So Funny About the Pandemic?
Gregg Levoy on April 18, 2020 in Passion!
The antidote to gravity is levity. Here's why it's so important that we find humor in the pandemic.
A How-To Guide for Generating Consistently Non-Viral Content
Mikhail Lyubansky Ph.D. on April 16, 2020 in Between the Lines
It's not easy not going viral. The numbers sneak up. One has to be careful.
Don’t Let Humor Become Another Victim of COVID-19
Marilyn A. Mendoza Ph.D. on April 11, 2020 in Understanding Grief
The secret to maintaining health and sanity during stressful times.
How Much Television News Is Too Much?
Brad Stennerson Ph.D. on April 8, 2020 in Psychology, but Not Too Seriously
You want to stay up to date on the COVID-19 pandemic, but more news isn't always a good thing.
The Top 10 Stress Reducers in the Time of COVID-19
Peter Bongiorno ND, LAc on April 7, 2020 in Inner Source
There no single item that can prevent anxiety during this time. But what combination of ideas is effective?
Coping With Too Much Togetherness
Jonathan Stevens, M.D., M.P.H. on April 7, 2020 in Mind Matters from Menninger
More than ever, we need to appreciate the challenges and embrace active strategies for coping in our relationships.
Help! I Feel Trapped
Susan M. Pollak MTS, Ed.D., on March 26, 2020 in The Art of Now
When can you do when you feel trapped?
Stop Body Shaming During the Outbreak
Renee Engeln Ph.D. on March 24, 2020 in Beauty Sick
Be gentle with the people on your social media feed and with yourself. Instead of focusing on weight gain, take this opportunity to show compassion to your body.
Why Do People Laugh During a Crisis? The Role of Humor
Michele Kerulis Ed.D. on March 23, 2020 in Sporting Moments
Is the pressure of social distancing stressing you out? Humor and laughter can help.
More Recent Posts
