According to a psychologist, this is more “normal” and understandable than it may seem at first (even if it comes across the wrong way or feels random). In short, for many of us, comedic relief is how we cope. When we feel scared, uncomfortable or sad, a laugh is a quick way to relieve that tension.
Related: Psychologists Say People Who Have ‘Absolutely No Filter’ Likely Have These 7 Traits
Why Do Some People Use Humor in Serious Moments?
For starters, it can be a release of nervous energy, like a pressure-release valve, or a way to avoid painful emotions.
Basically, it’s a coping strategy that can be instinctual, a recent development or learned over time.
“There are times when laughter appears unexpectedly, and it can be voluntary or involuntary,” she adds.
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A joke or a laugh can help someone stay functional in an overwhelming situation. It can “create psychological distance from fear, grief, embarrassment or tension,” according to Dr. Pilkington.
2. They are uncomfortable with vulnerability
“Humor becomes a shield that redirects attention away from painful feelings, intimacy or emotional honesty,” Dr. Pilkington states.
Some people can identify when others are feeling vulnerable and try to help them feel better with a lighthearted comment or moment of levity.
Its helpfulness is up in the air, however.
4. They think quickly and intellectually under stress
Humor requires a level of intelligence, quickness and wit—and again, that can feel more comfortable for some people than emotion.
Sadness can lead to crying, and anger can lead to yelling. These are behaviors we may want to avoid, so we opt for humor instead.
6. They may have unresolved grief, anxiety or trauma
According to Dr. Pilkington, humor can be a “deeply ingrained survival strategy.” People who have experienced trauma and/or chronic stress might smile, joke or laugh because that’s how their nervous system learned to protect them.
7. They're highly empathetic
“People with high empathy levels sometimes resort to laughter to reduce or offset the weight they feel from absorbing emotions so deeply,” Dr. Pilkington says.
When This Can Be Problematic
Clearly, humor can be a helpful distraction and coping skill. It can even be a form of “opposite action,” a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skill that encourages us to respond to feelings in more helpful ways. With that said, it’s not always appropriate, and it can be a way to avoid emotions that need to be felt or conversations that need to be had (at least eventually).
With so much online chatter about “trauma responses,” can smiling, particularly in serious situations, be considered one?
It’s like tickling: Just because we laugh doesn’t mean we like it. Just because a person is smiling doesn’t mean they aren’t anxious, upset or distressed.
What To Do if You Typically Laugh or Joke in Inappropriate Moments
Pause before responding during emotional conversations.Practice getting more comfortable with silence.Notice physical signs of nervousness or anxiety.Express emotions directly instead of joking immediately.Apologize if humor unintentionally hurts someone.Explore the pattern more deeply through self-reflection or therapy.
Related: How To Validate Someone’s Feelings, According to a Clinical Psychologist
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Dr. Vanessa Pilkington is a Doctify-rated, experienced psychologist registered with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).Hence then, the article about psychologist says if you use humor in serious situations you likely have these 7 traits was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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