Shared Memories of Funny Times

It seems that laughter really is the best medicine, when it comes to reminiscing. An article in the journal Motivation and Emotion describes a study done at Appalachian State University. The positive health benefits of laughter have long been known, but this study carries it a bit further. Shared reminiscences are also known to carry benefits for a couple’s relationship, and the researchers here focused on shared humorous experiences.

Fifty-two couples were randomly assigned to one of 4 reminiscing conditions; they were asked to specifically reminisce together about shared laughter, independent laughter, (an event not involving their partner), a shared positive experience, and a shared negative experience. Assessments of their relationship were made before and after the reminiscing trial. Couples who recalled laughing together about something immediately reported an increased satisfaction in their relationship. The couples assigned to the other three groups didn’t report this spike in their relationship satisfaction.

As someone who has been married to the same person for 45 years, I’m not too surprised by this report. But in case there’s any doubt, shared laughter does seem to be an easy-to-take and enjoy medicine. Better than sitting alone and watching the Comedy Channel.