Laughing and psychosocial outcomes: findings based on a large sample of the German general adult population

Abstract

Aim: Our aim was to comprehensively examine the association of laughing (frequency and occasions) with psychosocial outcomes (i.e., depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, loneliness, perceived social isolation, social withdrawal, life satisfaction, and ikigai, which mainly refers to meaning in life). Subject and methods: Cross-sectional data were used (quota-based sample of the German general adult population aged 18 to 74 years, n = 3270; mean age 47 years). Data collection took place online in January 2025. Tools with favorable psychometric characteristics were used to measure the outcomes (i.e., German versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9], Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 [GAD-7], De Jong Gierveld tool, Bude/Lantermann tool, 25-item Hikikomori Questionnaire [HQ-25], Satisfaction with Life Scale [SWLS], Ikigai-9). Laughing frequency and laughing occasions served as key independent variables. Multiple linear regressions were applied. Results: About 35.6% of respondents laughed nearly every day. The majority of individuals laughed during conversations. Regressions revealed that the frequency of laughing was consistently significantly associated with favorable psychosocial outcomes (e.g., with almost every day compared to almost never; fewer depressive symptoms, β = −2.70, p <.001; fewer anxiety symptoms, β = −2.33, p <.001; higher ikigai levels, β = 6.29, p <.001; higher satisfaction with life levels, β = 4.44, p <.001; lower loneliness levels, β = −1.16, p <.001; lower perceived social isolation levels, β = −.45, p <.001; higher social withdrawal levels, β = −14.39, p <.001). Moreover, laughing during conversations was consistently associated with favorable psychosocial outcomes. Laughing while consuming digital media and laughing during cultural events were more clearly associated with positive psychosocial outcomes (especially with social connectedness outcomes) when they were done with others rather than alone. Conclusion: Laughing (particularly with others) can contribute to favorable psychosocial outcomes, notably social connectedness. Therefore, promoting shared laughter may be beneficial.