Understanding the Psychology of Humor

Understanding the Psychology of Humor
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Understanding the Psychology of Humor
Introduction
Humor is the value of being funny or comical, particularly as voiced in literature or speech (Roth, 2008). It is an important part of a human being. Philosophers and other academics have a fascination about its origin and its effect on the human brain. Humor is contagious; the sound of laughter is more infectious than cough or sneezing. When there is a shared laughter, it binds people together increasing their joy and closeness. There are three main theories that explain the psychology of humor. They include the relief, incongruity and superiority theories.
Incongruity theory is the primary approach associated with historical philosophers Immanuel Kant and Søren Kierkegaard, and could have its origin from Aristotle’s Rhetoric. It states that humor is perceived at the moment when it is realized, between a concept and the real object assumed to relate to the concept. According to superiority theory, Thomas Hobbes mentions humor that, it comes from sudden glory. Sigmund Freud and Herbert Spencer looked at humor as basically a way to discharge energy produced by repression as explained by their relief theory (Derks, 2007).
Functions and Benefits of Humor
All people love to laugh, although most are not aware that laughter is the best medicine (Martin, 2007). Humor causes laughter; this has several benefits for the well-being of people both physically and mentally. In some cases, physicians use it as a therapy for the treatment of ailments such as cancer. The functions of laughter therapy include boosting an individual’s immune system and circulatory system, enhancing the intake of oxygen, and stimulating the heart and lungs. Laughter causes the muscles to relax throughout the body. It triggers the release of natural painkillers endorphins, relieving pain. It also balances blood pressure and improves the functionality of the mind by increasing memory alertness and creativity.
The social benefits of humor are that it enables people to bond with friends and family. It strengthens group individuality and cohesiveness. It increases sociability, self-sacrifice, and attraction to other people. Laughter improves marriage...