Laughter in serious situations serves as an emotional regulation mechanism
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 78/100
Evidence from psychological and clinical research consistently indicates that humor and laughter act as functional mechanisms for coping with stress and regulating negative emotions in difficult situations.
Evidence for · 5
Coping Strategies Before Competition: The Role of Stress, Cognitive Appraisal, and Emotions.
2025 · cited by 2
Identifies humor and happiness as anticipated coping strategies used by individuals to manage psychological stress prior to high-stakes competitions.
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More for · 4
Laughter as ideological symptom: dialogical analysis of older adults' discourse.
2025 · cited by 1
Demonstrates that laughter functions as an interactive mechanism for regulating and managing tensions around sensitive or distressing topics.
The unbearable lightness of laughting: a reflexive thematic analysis of smiles and laughter in five psychotherapy training processes.
2025 · cited by 0
Finds that smiles and laughter frequently serve as emotion-regulating strategies within therapeutic and clinical environments.
From strain to strength through humor: resilience in professional football players.
2025 · cited by 0
Shows that coping humor acts as a moderator that helps transform psychological strain into resilience.
Resilience after the quake: life engagement and humor as pathways to trauma recovery.
2026 · cited by 0
Highlights coping humor as a key psychosocial resource that aids in trauma recovery and post-disaster adaptation.