Climate comedy works − here’s why, and how it can help lighten up a politically heavy year in 2024

Jokes can be a healing contagion as they expose hypocrisy, spark laughter and open minds.

Beth Osnes, Professor of Theatre and Environmental Studies, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Feb. 29, 2024 • ~7 min

Laughter can communicate a lot more than good humor – people use it to smooth social interactions

Laughter is so fundamental that animals like chimps, rats and dogs share the ability with humans. But in people it serves more serious social functions than just letting others know you’re having fun.

Adrienne Wood, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Virginia • conversation
July 25, 2023 • ~8 min

Why do we laugh? New study considers possible evolutionary reasons behind this very human behaviour

Could laughter be a survival mechanism?

Carlo Valerio Bellieni, Professor of Pediatrics, Università di Siena • conversation
Sept. 22, 2022 • ~8 min

Feeling connected enhances mental and physical health – here are 4 research-backed ways to find moments of connection with loved ones and strangers

Psychology researchers know what kinds of behavior enhance feelings of social connection.

Dave Smallen, Community Faculty in Psychology, Metropolitan State University • conversation
July 26, 2022 • ~9 min

Go ahead, enjoy your memes – they really do help ease pandemic stress

Social media during the pandemic is not all doom scrolling and despair. Lighter memes have psychological benefits.

Jessica Myrick, Professor of Media Studies, Penn State • conversation
Nov. 2, 2021 • ~6 min

Laughing is good for your mind and your body – here's what the research shows

Whether in the form of a discreet titter or a full-on roar, laughter comes with many benefits for physical and mental health.

Janet M. Gibson, Professor of Cognitive Psychology, Grinnell College • conversation
Nov. 23, 2020 • ~8 min

Is it okay to laugh during a pandemic?

One thing that makes the current situation unique is that it is not a single event in a specific place and time. Humour is a coping strategy.

Gil Greengross, Lecturer in Psychology, Aberystwyth University • conversation
May 5, 2020 • ~5 min

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