While I am not always a fan of Freudian concepts, I must say that Freud’s theory of humor as being therapeutic was genius. I think he was so ahead of his time because he was able to predict things, like humor being a therapeutic tool, at a time when science could not prove how humor affects the brain chemically. Since that brilliant theorization, science has now provided us with hard evidence that Freud was correct, and humor actually increases endorphins in the brain. In addition to the physical health benefits, such as “[…expanding the epithelial lining of the arteries, increasing blood flow to the heart and the brain, research] suggests that laughter […] is believed to reduce stress, elevate mood, [encourage relaxation and sleep, promote a sense of connection with others,] and [even] improve job performance” (MacDonald, 2008). During stressful times, “[…] laughing at oneself can be a way of accepting what is happening and warding off anxiety,” and it even helps bond a patient to their therapist if humor is used during sessions (MacDonald, 2008).
In a project called Rx Laughter that’s being conducted in the L.A. area, severely ill children and teenagers are shown comedies which have not only reduced their pain and improved the quality of their lives, but has helped to give them a positive attitude and to empower and motivate them, “[…] ultimately leading to faster and stronger recovery for them and their families” (Hoare, 2004). Additionally, since “[our] brains are wired in such a way that they cannot generally produce stress hormones and endorphins simultaneously, [laughter reduces the level of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline when it stimulates the production of endorphins]” (Hoare, 2004). It’s been noted that laughing also results in individuals being less prone to dread and spending less time and energy ruminating or worrying about the future (Goldstein, 1982, p. 22). The most impressive research, though, is that even just the anticipation that you are going to laugh will release these endorphins (Hoare, 2004). Therefore, as I said before, it was a brilliant insight on Freud’s part to be able to see what a therapeutic tool humor can be before science could prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that laughing actually has chemical effects on our brains and bodies.
Works Cited
Goldstein, J. H. (1982, August/Septemper). A Laugh A Day: Can Mirth Keep Disease At Bay? Sciences, 22(6), 21-26. Retrieved January 28, 2014, from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.lib.cwu.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=66e841d4-c9ce-4116-9059-d0e9bae1bb86%40sessionmgr4004&vid=6&hid=4112
Hoare, J. (2004, December 15). The Best Medicine. Nursing Standard, 19(14-16), 18-19. Retrieved January 28, 2014, from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.lib.cwu.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=32e61813-6895-434f-b587-413f9711bef3%40sessionmgr4001&vid=2&hid=4112
MacDonald, P. (2008, July 25). Laughter — The Best Medicine? Practice Nurse , 36(2), 38-39. Retrieved January 28, 2014, from http://web.ebscohost.com.ezp.lib.cwu.edu/ehost/detail?sid=aeee5dde-6da6-4045-8bad-587f75e4f2cc%40sessionmgr4001&vid=2&hid=4112&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=a9h&AN=34894356
Budding Into Fullness: From Broken Pieces to Masterpieces 