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Laughter | Psychology Today Skip to main content Laughter Reviewed by Psychology Today Staff Laughter just might be the most contagious of all emotional experiences. Although laughter is one of the distinguishing features of human beings, little is known about the mechanisms behind it. Laughter is not limited to communicating mirth. It can be triggered by embarrassment and other social discomforts. Laughter may have evolved to facilitate bonding across large groups of people. In primates, the grooming process releases chemicals that help build social bonds; humans eventually came to live in groups that were larger than the grooming process allowed. Laughter, as well as speech, enables us to bond quickly and easily with a large community. Contents The Benefits of Laughter What We Find Funny The Benefits of Laughter Although laughter is not generally under voluntary control, it has numerous health benefits. Bouts of laughter can boost the immune system, relax muscles, aid circulation, and protect against heart disease. It can abet mental health, too; laughter can lower anxiety , release tension, improve mood, and foster resilience . How does laughter help the body? Created with Sketch. A hearty chuckle releases endorphins, feel-good neurotransmitters that have an effect similar to narcotics, and endorphins are part of the reason laughing is so contagious. Laughing also has many health benefits such as increasing blood flow and improving mental and physical resilience. In fact, it’s not unlike a vigorous workout session. How does laughter boost mood? Created with Sketch. We don’t make much effort to find cheer and laughter, though we should. We’re too busy or too cynical or too grumpy. Yet simple laughter can make life feel more manageable by masking pain, sharpening your ability to remember things, and alleviating the pressures of the day-to-day grind. article continues after advertisement What We Find Funny The eminent psychologist on laughter, Robert Provin of the University of Maryland, agrees that laughter isn’t really about humor. He contends that it’s more about relationships. Cutting -edge humor straight out of Comedy Central is great, but people actually laugh more in conversation and through interaction. Provine has unearthed a few facts on laughter, including: Laughter bonds people through prosocial behavior. It’s contagious. Women laugh 126 percent more than men. Mating would be nowhere without it. Men enjoy generating laughter and seek out women who laugh. Women are commonly laughter appreciators. Why is laughter contagious? Created with Sketch. One person laughs and the next person does the same, even if the joke isn’t that funny. But laughter as a contagion is well-known; think of the laugh tracks used by television comedy shows that prod the enjoyment of the audience. And when two people share a chuckle, they experience the relationship itself to be emotionally strong. Does laughter make you more attractive? Created with Sketch. There is plenty of evidence showing how being funny makes a person more attractive. Funny people are considered to be more social and more intelligent. And women seek men who are humorous, while funny men do indeed attract more women. On top of that, women with partners who have a great sense of humor enjoy more orgasms and stronger ones as well. Essential Reads When Is It Good to Be Able to Laugh at Yourself? There are countless ways in which people embarrass themselves. New research shows how laughing at yourself after a faux pas can preserve your reputation—at least in certain situations. Understanding the 'Ins' and 'Outs' of Comedy: What Goes In… Why does some humor relate to basic physical maintenance—breathing, drinking, and eating? As long as they're relatively minor, threats to one’s well-being can be amusing. How Lies Can Lead to Laughter Deception is a common means of highlighting vulnerability and fostering amusement. Failed lies have further negative consequences and successful ones reveal a victim’s gullibility. Grieving Parents Are Desperate for Comic Relief Personal Perspective: No group of people needs to laugh more than bereaved parents. The Humor of Miscommunication Some experts use violations of H. Paul Grice’s four maxims that help explain verbal humor. The mutual vulnerability theory of laughter does the same job and so much more. Some experts use violations of H. Paul Grice’s four maxims that help explain verbal humor. The mutual vulnerability theory of laughter does the same job and so much more. Marriage and Disconnection: Lessons From "Is This Thing On?" While streaming "Is This Thing On?" I found myself wishing the couple were my therapy clients. I caught myself thinking, "I could help this couple!" While streaming "Is This Thing On?" I found myself wishing the couple were my therapy clients. I caught myself thinking, "I could help this couple!" What I Learned From George Costanza and "Groundhog Day" Could "Seinfeld," "Annie Hall," and "Groundhog Day" teach you as much or more about your brain than any textbook? A psychiatrist makes the case. Could "Seinfeld," "Annie Hall," and "Groundhog Day" teach you as much or more about your brain than any textbook? A psychiatrist makes the case. Reflecting on Oversexed Characters in Television Comedies One of the more common character “types” in modern Western sitcoms appears to be suffering (but also not suffering) from hypersexuality. A novel laughter theory helps explain why. One of the more common character “types” in modern Western sitcoms appears to be suffering (but also not suffering) from hypersexuality. A novel laughter theory helps explain why. Anatoly: An In-depth Look at His Heavyweight Humor Prankster Anatoly gives his victims a false sense of superiority before turning the tables. Humbled by his strength, they often respond with laughter. Prankster Anatoly gives his victims a false sense of superiority before turning the tables. Humbled by his strength, they often respond with laughter. Saying Goodbye to the Iconic Moira Rose The death of Catherine O'Hara has been widely grieved by gay men because of the character she created: the irrepressible but loving mother Moira Rose. The death of Catherine O'Hara has been widely grieved by gay men because of the character she created: the irrepressible but loving mother Moira Rose. The “Ins” and “Outs” of Comedy: Dealing With the Outflow Why does humor often reference things emanating from the body, like runny noses, body odor, or waste products? A new theory of laughter provides the most complete explanation yet. Why does humor often reference things emanating from the body, like runny noses, body odor, or waste products? A new theory of laughter provides the most complete explanation yet. 8 Reasons to Call Rather Than Text When you miss a person, don't you miss hearing their voice? Don't you wish you could hear them offering their unique perspectives, laughing, or listening with their own brand of silence? When you miss a person, don't you miss hearing their voice? Don't you wish you could hear them offering their unique perspectives, laughing, or listening with their own brand of silence? The Powerful Positive Impact of the "Goodnight, Bro" Trend Reaching out builds connection and mattering. Reaching out builds connection and mattering. Happy Birthday, Goldie: The Resonance of a Joyful Mind Goldie Hawn’s laughter changed Hollywood—and her compassion changed the world. On her birthday, we celebrate her joyful mind, mindful heart, and the music that connects them. Goldie Hawn’s laughter changed Hollywood—and her compassion changed the world. On her birthday, we celebrate her joyful mind, mindful heart, and the music that connects them. Laughter Resources Get Help Find a therapist near me City or Zip Connected Topics Humor Happiness Health Test Yourself Do You Know What Makes People Happy? Do You Understand Human Nature? Are You a Good First Date? Sarcasm Test Most Popular advertisement Find a Therapist Get the help you need from a therapist near you–a FREE service from Psychology Today. 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