Blog Post #5; What are the psychological effects of shared laughter in forming and maintaining relationships?

Hello everyone, and welcome back to my latest blog post!

For my inquiry question this semester, I decided to explore the role of humour in building connections. For this week’s post, I chose to explore the physiological effects of shared laughter in forming and maintaining relationships. I’ve always been fascinated by how laughter seems to create instant bonds between people and wondered what happens beneath the surface when we laugh together. Shared laughter isn’t just about having fun, but it also has deep physiological impacts that strengthen connections and support long-term relationships. 

When people laugh together, it creates a sense of closeness and emotional bonding that helps them form and maintain strong relationships (1). Psychologically, shared laughter triggers the release of endorphins, which are the brains natural “feel-good” chemicals, promoting feelings of happiness and reducing stress (5). This biochemical response creates a positive feedback loop where people associate each other with good feelings, making them want to spend more time together (5). 

Beyond just making us feel good, shared laughter enhances communication by breaking down social barriers and increasing feelings of trust (3). When people laugh together, it signals safety and acceptance, allowing for more open and honest interactions. Research shows that people who value humour in themselves and others tend to have better social skills and more fulfilling interpersonal relationships (3). These shared moments create a stronger emotional connection and can help couples or friends navigate conflicts more effectively by shifting their mood toward cooperation (4). 

Interestingly, humour and laughter play a crucial role in sustaining long-term relationships. Couples who share humour tend to report higher satisfaction and better conflict resolution skills (2). Shared laughter serves as a “social glue” that enables partners to maintain positivity and resilience during challenging times (2). It reminds us that even during stressful moments, there is room for lightness and connection. 

However, it’s important to note that the quality of shared laughter matters. Laughter that is inclusive, kind, and genuine fosters and strengthens bonds, while humour that is sarcastic or hurtful damages relationships (1). When laughter is sincere and mutual, it promotes mental well-being, reduces anxiety, and supports emotional regulation, all of which are essential for healthy relationships (4). 

In summary, shared laughter does much more than make us smile; it positively influences our brains and emotions, helping us build trust, improve communication, and strengthen relationships over time. 

Links and Resources:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4779443/
2. https://psyche.co/ideas/why-it-takes-humour-to-sustain-a-long-term-relationship
3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0191886913012816
4. https://cbtprofessionals.com.au/the-science-of-laughter-exploring-the-links-between-laughter-and-mental-health/
5. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/laughter#:~:text=Bouts%20of%20laughter%20can%20boost,improve%20mood%2C%20and%20foster%20resilience.