Some of the best comedians don’t take themselves too seriously, picking apart every fault they can think of. And while they might be winning over the crowd, new research suggests it could be the secret to making yourself feel good.
According to a study conducted by the University of Granada’s (UGR) Mind, Brain and Behaviour Research Centre ( CIMCYC), people who use self-deprecating humour to win over a crowd experience greater psychological well-being.
Published in the international journal Personality and Individual Differences, the findings contradict previous thought that self-defeating humour was a sign of mental ill-health. However the new discoveries suggest we’ve had it wrong this whole time.
“In particular, we have observed that a greater tendency to employ self-defeating humour is indicative of high scores in psychological well-being dimensions such as happiness and, to a lesser extent, sociability,” says UGR’s Jorge Torres Marin.
“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 self-defeating humour on well-being may differ depending on where the research takes place. Consequently we believe it is necessary to conduct new studies aimed at analysing potential cultural differences in the use of this kind of humour.”
The research suggests that having a dig at yourself was a coping mechanism to deal with angry thoughts while also winning over the trust of other people.
There you have it…don’t take yourself too seriously.
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