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First They Scream, Then They Laugh: The Cognitive Intersections of Humor and Fear.
Hye-Knudsen, Marc; Kjeldgaard-Christiansen, Jens; Boutwell, Brian B; Clasen, Mathias.
Afiliação
  • Hye-Knudsen M; Cognition and Behavior Lab, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
  • Kjeldgaard-Christiansen J; Recreational Fear Lab, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
  • Boutwell BB; Recreational Fear Lab, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
  • Clasen M; Department of English, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
Evol Psychol ; 22(2): 14747049241258355, 2024.
Article em En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38840335
ABSTRACT
On the surface, fear and humor seem like polar opposite states of mind, yet throughout our lives they continually interact. In this paper, we synthesize neurobiological, psychological, and evolutionary research on fear and humor, arguing that the two are deeply connected. The evolutionary origins of humor reside in play, a medium through which animals benignly explore situations and practice strategies, such as fight or flight, which would normally be accompanied by fear. Cognitively, humor retains the structure of play. Adopting a view of humor as requiring two appraisals, a violation appraisal and a benign appraisal, we describe how fear-inducing stimuli can be rendered benignly humorous through contextual cues, psychological distance, reframing, and cognitive reappraisal. The antagonistic relationship between humor and fear in terms of their neurochemistry and physiological effects in turn makes humor ideal for managing fear in many circumstances. We review five real-world examples of humor and fear intersecting, presenting new data in support of our account along the way. Finally, we discuss the possible therapeutic relevance of the deep connection between humor and fear.
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Texto completo: 1 Base de dados: MEDLINE Assunto principal: Senso de Humor e Humor como Assunto / Medo / Riso Idioma: En Ano de publicação: 2024 Tipo de documento: Article

Texto completo: 1 Base de dados: MEDLINE Assunto principal: Senso de Humor e Humor como Assunto / Medo / Riso Idioma: En Ano de publicação: 2024 Tipo de documento: Article