The Positive Psychology of Humour
Dr. Deepshikha Ray
Associate Professor
Department of Psychology
University of Calcutta
Evolutionary Humour Neurobiology
Perspective
laughter induced
Universal & Complex, by tickle and by
Ubiquitous Instinctive humour share
Process & cannot Spontaneous
common
be learned laughter in
underlying
human infants
mechanisms
Part of behavioural ● temporo-occipito-parietal areas
Complex cognitive
repertoire of involved in detecting & resolving
attribute -- language,
homosapiens for incongruity
theory-of-mind,
thousands of years ● mesocorticolimbic
symbolism, abstract
thinking, social dopaminergic system &
perception amygdala for reward & salience
processing.
Within Positive Psychology framework The virtues include
★ the definition of mental health goes ● wisdom and knowledge,
beyond the absence of psychopathology, ● courage,
○ involves the presence of general ● humanity and love,
capacities that allow people to ● justice,
achieve happy and fulfilling lives ● temperance,
(Seligman et al., 2005). ● transcendence.
➔ Need to develop a classification system
and common vocabulary to discuss
“good character.” Humor was identified as one of
◆ 24 character strengths, subsumed the positive traits (along with
under six broad virtues thought to gratitude, spirituality, hope)
be ubiquitously important for classified under the virtue of
human flourishing (Peterson & transcendence
Seligman, 2004)
Transcendence strengths are defined as those that allow individuals to create and build
connections to the greater universe and in doing so, provide a sense of meaning and purpose
to human existence
Humor is seen as one way of
achieving transcendence Humor was a late addition to this
★ it connects someone directly to classification system and is considered
troubles and contradictions in a one of the most controversial strengths.
way that produces not terror or
anger but pleasure
Disposition a positive, fulfilling, Character Strength
morally-valued trait
conceptualizations of the sense of humor as trait-like qualities i.e.,
Disposition stability over time and situations (Ruch, 2007)
● intra- as well as inter-individual differences in humor-related
Humour behaviors, thoughts, motivation, responses
○ likelihood of engaging in humor,
○ frequency and intensity of amusement responses,
○ quality and quantity of humor production,
○ appreciation of humorous interactions
Skill
7 Humour Habit Program
● enjoyment of humor,
● laughter,
sense of humor may be decomposed ● verbal humor,
into a set of habits that can be ● finding humor in everyday life,
acquired (Mcghee,1999) ● laughing at yourself,
● humor under stress
Coping Mature Defense Mechanism
Functions of Humour Cognitive Reappraisal
Reframing
(Kahn, 1989)
Expressing Sarcasm as sophisticated
Hostility expression of anger &
criticism
sharing witty comments,
Affiliative humorous anecdotes, and use of humor to cope
jokes to enhance relationship with stress and
maintain a cheerful
outlook on life in the
face of adversity
Self Enhancing
Styles / Types of
Humour
(Martin et al, 2003)
self-disparaging humor
Self Defeating to make others laugh at
one’s own expense
Aggressive use humor in the form of
teasing or witty sarcasm to
make fun of others
Constantine et al (2020)
Self Defeating Self Enhancing
Styles of Positively correlated
Negatively correlated Humour ❖ Extraversion
❏ Agreeableness (Martin et ❖ Agreeableness
❏ Conscientiousness ❖ Openness to
al, 2003)
Experience
Negatively correlated
★ Neuroticism
Aggressive Affiliative
Initiate personal Optimism
disclosure Adaptive Humour
Self Esteem
Communicate
positive outlook
during stress
Wellbeing
Reduced
Reduce
➔ Depression, Positive
Conflict
➔ Anxiety, Emotions
➔ Stress,
➔ Hostility,
Increasing
More satisfying Jiang et al, 2020
➔ Creativity
interpersonal relationship
➔ Life satisfaction
Fostering acceptable Release of endorphins
expression of aggression
Enhanced
Express hidden emotions immune function
Discharge of arousal Humour Intervention Stimulates
circulation &
improves respiration
Assimilation of
incongruent information
& tolerance of ambiguity Reduction of systolic BP
Strengthening feelings of control Reduction of salivary immunoglobulin
Thank You