‘ Laughing at self good for health’

Certain styles of humour may be employed to conceal negative intentions

London, Feb. 11: People who frequently crack jokes about themselves to gain approval of others have greater levels of psychological well- being, a study has found.

The findings, published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, contradict some of the research carried out to date in the psychology of humour.

Up until now, a significant deal of the research literature has suggested that self- defeating humour is exclusively associated with negative psychological effects among individuals who regularly employ this style of humour.

“In particular, we have observed that a greater tendency to employ selfdefeating humour is indicative of high scores in psychological wellbeing dimensions such as happiness and, to a lesser extent, sociability,” said Jorge Torres Marin from University of Granada in Spain.

“The results, as well as being consistent with the positive connotations traditionally attributed to the act of ‘ laughing at oneself ’ in our country, also suggest that the effects of selfdefeating humour on wellbeing may differ depending on where the research takes places,” Marin said.

“Consequently, we believe it is necessary to conduct new studies aimed at analysing potential cultural differences in the use of this kind of humour,” he said.

“Our research fits into one of the theoretical models that aim to overcome these limitations and provide the psychology of humour with a wellfounded, accurate theoretical body of knowledge,” said Hugo Carretero Dios, from University of Granada.

Nonetheless, researchers also point out that certain styles of humour may be employed to conceal negative intentions and feelings.