People Who Laugh at Their Own Jokes are Happier, According to Psychologists

You know that friend who cracks a joke and laughs before anyone else does? Turns out, they might be onto something. According to research in personality psychology, people who laugh at their own jokes tend to score higher in overall happiness and emotional resilience.

In short: laughing at yourself isn’t embarrassing. It’s emotionally intelligent.

Why self-laughers tend to thrive

Psychologists explain that the ability to find humor in yourself is a strong marker of self-acceptance. It signals that you’re not overly self-critical, and that you can experience life with playfulness, even during stressful or awkward moments.

A study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences found that individuals who used self-enhancing humor, like laughing at themselves in a lighthearted way, reported higher life satisfaction and lower levels of psychological distress.

According to lead researcher Dr. Alberto Dionigi, “Humor is a protective factor. Laughing at yourself, when done positively, can help regulate emotions and defuse tension.”

What it says about you

Laughing at your own jokes may also show confidence and emotional flexibility. Rather than needing external validation, self-laughers can enjoy their own company, even in awkward silence or social misfires.

It’s not about being the funniest in the room, it’s about being comfortable enough to enjoy your own presence.

Final thoughts

Whether you're a professional speaker or just someone who loves a good dad joke, laughing at yourself could be a quiet superpower. So next time you chuckle at your own punchline, know that it’s not cringe, it’s psychology.

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Sources:

• Dionigi, A. et al. (2012). Self-enhancing humor and positive well-being. Personality and Individual Differences

• Martin, R. A. (2007). The Psychology of Humor: An Integrative Approach