Humour as a Coping Mechanism

It’s rightly said that a day without laughter is a day wasted. What’s a better way to warm your heart than sharing a few giggles with your friends? Probably nothing. But have you ever thought about the complex psychological mechanism behind our seemingly simple humour? What are the origins of it? We often use humour in our lives to lighten the heavy burdens of life, but how effective is this coping mechanism? The science behind what we do and don’t find humorous is deeply rooted in our Psychology and neurology. Let’s have a deeper dive into this topic.

Origins of Humour

The origins of humour can be traced back to even the prehistoric era. Anthropologists think that early humans used laughter as a tool to strengthen group bonds and defuse conflicts. It also helped in communicating non-threatening intentions to others. Thus, humour likely evolved as a social and survival mechanism. 

Roughly 4,000 years ago, scribes in southern Mesopotamia copied the first documented jokes in history written in Sumerian on clay tablets. The idea of humour had ancient philosophers like Plato and Aristotle pondering on its nature. They postulated that it was a tool asserting superiority over others, a concept known as the Superiority Theory. Whereas the Roman philosopher Cicero emphasised the elements of wit and timing as marks of intellect. Humour has also been used to speak truth to power under the veil of entertainment by medieval Jesters, even by comedians today.

In the early 20th century, Sigmund Freud, the father of Modern Psychology, proposed the relief theory, which suggested humour helped release psychological tension and suppressed thoughts. These evolving ideas reflect humour’s deep roots in human psychology, social structure, and communication.

Understanding Humour in the Psychological Context

In psychological terms, humour is not just about telling jokes and making someone laugh. It is a complex cognitive and emotional process. It helps individuals reinterpret stressful or painful situations. By doing so, it reduces the impact of those situations. Sigmund Freud saw humour as “one of the mature defence mechanisms” as it helped in dealing with distress in an adaptive and socially acceptable manner. Humour aids in reframing negative feelings rather than suppressing them.

Humour is described as a psychological reaction. It involves recognition, appreciation, or expression of incongruity or absurdity. This definition is provided by the American Psychological Association. Humour, as a coping strategy, serves as a platform. Through this platform, challenging situations and realities are perceived in a way that makes them more bearable. It helps make these situations less daunting.

The science behind laughter and stress relief

Several studies have found that humour, particularly socially shared, triggers biochemical responses that are stress-reducing. Endorphins, the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals, are released through laughter, and cortisol levels decrease, which are linked to stress. Immune function is boosted, cardiovascular functioning is better, and muscle relaxation is increased. Studies conclude that people who employ self-enhancing humour daily possess high levels of psychological well-being. Individuals with a strong sense of humour have better coping responses during times of distress.

Laughing at the face of misfortune: humour in grief and trauma

Humour is a powerful tool in dealing with grief and trauma. Trauma victims can use humour to recover from traumatic experiences. Oftentimes, in hospices, it is observed that caregivers utilise humour as a means to establish a rapport and encourage those suffering. This process is called “Gallows humour”, which occurs primarily among high-stress industries such as the military and the medical profession. It helps the individual push the shock and trauma away and function without being overwhelmed. This kind of use of humour has its criticisms, it can be argued that it might lead to temporary shielding from the trauma rather than true emotional processing. So, overuse of humour might be a sign of escaping from the pain rather than resolving it.

When is Humour useful? And When is it not?

Humour is a good cushion to absorb the impact of a trauma, but it doesn’t necessarily help deal with pain. Rather, it can be harmful if we use it to invalidate the feelings of anyone or our one. Especially, the insensitive use of humour in a situation where the other person may not share the same perspective can be harmful. Hence, it is best if it exists with emotional honesty.

Humour can be a powerful tool in therapy, which can be used to build rapport and introduce cognitive reframing. Hence, the mindful use of it can be beneficial. We must keep in mind that therapists are trained professionals. They are equipped to differentiate between healing humour and humour that deflects vulnerability.

Conclusion

Humour can be seen as one of the best coping mechanisms. However, this is only true if it doesn’t stem from deflecting your pain. Instead, it should serve as a cushion for the impact. Mindful humour can help cultivate connections and encourage resilience, but it must be context-sensitive and balanced with self-awareness. Humour doesn’t erase the pain but rather paves a way through it, which is relatively smoother. Combined with the biological benefits of laughter, humour can lead to a healthier life both physically and psychologically. So never miss an opportunity to crack a joke with your friends, no matter how lame it is, because it is rightly said that laughter is. The best medicine. 

FAQs

1. Why is humour considered important in daily life?

Humour lightens emotional burdens, strengthens social bonds, and promotes psychological well-being. It can make difficult situations feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

2. How does humour function as a coping mechanism?

It helps individuals reframe painful or stressful situations, turning emotional pain into something more bearable without suppressing it. This is known as a mature defence mechanism.

3. Are there any risks in using humour during emotional distress?

Yes. Overuse or inappropriate humour may act as emotional avoidance rather than healing, and it can invalidate others’ feelings if not used mindfully.

4. What are the biological effects of laughter?

Laughter releases endorphins, lowers cortisol (stress hormone) levels, boosts immunity, improves cardiovascular health, and relaxes muscles, leading to better physical and mental health. 

5. Can humour be used in therapy?

Absolutely. When used carefully by trained professionals, humour can help build rapport, encourage cognitive reframing, and create a safe space for emotional exploration.

6. Does everyone respond to humour in the same way?

No. Humour is subjective and shaped by personality, culture, experiences, and context. What’s funny to one person might be hurtful or confusing to another