Oct 15, 2022 20:00:00

The theory that `` laughter '' was necessary for survival competition appeared, and experts pointed out that it has a role to inform the surroundings of safety

Previous studies have shown that

65 animals laugh , and even rats have been confirmed to laugh when tickled. Experts have proposed that laughter has played an important role in the struggle for survival behind the development of 'laughter', which at first glance seems unnecessary for surviving in the harsh natural world.

Why do we laugh? New study considers possible evolutionary reasons behind this very human behavior
https://theconversation.com/why-do-we-laugh-new-study-considers-possible-evolutionary-reasons-behind-this-very-human-behaviour-190193

Carlo Bellini, professor of pediatrics at the University of Siena, Italy, who has long researched the meaning of crying and laughter in babies, has studied 100 literature on laughter published in the last 10 years in order to elucidate why humans laugh in the first place. I've read through the above. As a result, it has been found that laughter is something that human beings have acquired through natural selection for survival, and that it is an important behavior that has been cultivated before society has developed to a high degree. .

Among the major theories about the mechanism of laughter is the 'Incongruity theory', which states that the presence of conflicting things in a single situation provokes laughter. However, for example, ``a tiger suddenly appeared in the city'' is also a conflicting matter, but if you actually run into a tiger on a street corner, fear comes first rather than fun. I can't explain.

Bellini points out that in order to laugh, the event needs to be harmless. In other words, ``a tiger that appeared in the city began to bounce like a rubber ball.

Based on this, Mr. Bellini analyzed that laughter may have a role to let others know that the situation is safe, just as screams have a role to warn of danger. In the process leading to laughter, ``confusion and panic'' finds strange events, ``solution'' resolves the confusion and worries, and the observer who confirms safety raises a laughter to let others around him know that there is no danger. I explained that three stages of 'safety' to inform are necessary.

Bellini also supports his idea that laughter is often contagious, that laughter can help people socialize and promote unity, and that it can dispel fears and worries. is given.

Laughter does a lot more than just letting people know you don't need a fight-or-flight response .

Since the area of the brain that controls laughter also regulates emotions, fear, and anxiety, releasing laughter relieves stress and tension and brings a sense of security. In addition, as seen from the ' Clown Care ' overseas where therapists dressed as clowns visit patients at hospitals and laughter therapists are active in Japan, humor stabilizes blood pressure. In addition to physical benefits such as stabilizing the immune system, you can also expect mental benefits that can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

In this way, about laughter, which has various benefits, Mr. Bellini says, ``People can feel happy by laughing. I think it's because it's connected to the important function of defending yourself.That's why even now, when people face a dangerous situation and the tension suddenly breaks, they can't help but laugh.' rice field.