Laughter just might be the most contagious of all emotional experiences. Although laughter is one of the distinguishing features of human beings, little is known about the mechanisms behind it. Laughter is not limited to communicating mirth. It can be triggered by embarrassment and other social discomforts. Laughter may have evolved to facilitate bonding across large groups of people. In primates,
What Is Laughter? (Plain Language Explanation)
Laughter refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Laughter
- Symptoms: The specific ways laughter shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen laughter
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When laughter occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Laughter
- Laughter is far more common than most people realize
- Laughter is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with laughter see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about laughter is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing laughter, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.