Study: Laughter helps children’s brain and emotional growth
New research links humor to lower stress hormones and to stronger working memory, creativity and parent-child bonding.
Research cited by Jacqueline Harding of Middlesex University highlights the role of laughter in children’s brain development, emotional health and social skills. In her book, The Brain That Loves to Laugh, Harding explains that laughter activates several brain networks, including motor areas and the prefrontal cortex, even before children become fluent speakers. As children process humor, the brain also exercises creativity and working memory. Laughter is said to suppress stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine, while increasing dopamine, serotonin, endorphins and oxytocin, which help create a sense of safety and emotional closeness. Harding urges parents and schools to make more room for playful activities so children are better prepared to learn and more resilient under stress.