Why Do I Use Humour as a Coping Mechanism?
Just like Chandler from Friends, you might have a tendency to make jokes when you’re uncomfortable or nervous.
Humour is a super common coping mechanism, and for a good reason – it can make you feel better, help you find the bright side in dark situations, and make you feel more comfortable with the people around you.
But why do so many people use humour as a coping mechanism – and why does it work?
Here at KMA Therapy, we know you have questions about your mental wellness – and we’re here to give you the answers. For over 14 years, we’ve been helping our clients find the information they need to learn about their lives and relationships.
After reading this article, you’ll know about the four types of coping mechanisms, why you might use humour as a coping mechanism, and how humour can play a role in therapy.
What are the 4 Types of Coping Mechanisms?
There is a wide range of behaviours you might find yourself using to respond to stressful situations.
These behaviours are called coping mechanisms and fall into four categories.
The four types of coping mechanisms are:
- Meaning-Focused
- Problem-Focused
- Emotion-Focused
- Support-Seeking
Meaning-focused coping mechanisms help you understand why a situation is happening, and find a sense of meaning or purpose in it.
Problem-focused coping mechanisms are action-oriented. You’re focused on resolving the problem in order to eliminate stress.
Emotion-focused coping strategies are focused on reducing the stress you’re experiencing in the moment.
Support-seeking coping strategies involve asking friends, family members, or professionals for support.
Why Do I Make Jokes When I’m Uncomfortable?
Humour is an emotion-focused coping strategy, meaning it aims to reduce the stress you’re feeling at a given moment.
When you make a joke about an upsetting situation, you’re trying to ease the heavy emotions you feel because of it.
Sometimes, this is a great way to help you feel more comfortable, and diffuse the pressure in tense situations.
Other times, only looking at things from the perspective of turning them into a joke can be harmful.
The Benefits of Humour for Resilience
Often, humour can help you to feel more resilient when dealing with stress and other difficult emotions.
A strong sense of humour has many benefits, including:
- Enhanced interpersonal relationships
- Higher levels of happiness
- Improved self-esteem
- Higher creativity
Is it Okay to Make Jokes in Therapy?
Yes, it is absolutely okay to make jokes in therapy.
Therapy should be a place where you feel comfortable being your whole, authentic self. If you’re someone who likes to make jokes or find the funny parts of difficult situations, using humour in therapy can be a great tool.
Benefits of humour in therapy include:
- Helping you feel more comfortable
- Offering a healthy coping mechanism
- Creating a bond between you and your therapist
However, that doesn’t mean that you should only be making jokes in therapy.
If you’re using humour to avoid serious conversations, or speaking negatively about yourself in the form of self-deprecating jokes, your therapist might have a discussion with you about why you use humour in this way.
Next Steps for Healthy Coping
After reading this article, you know why humour is an effective coping strategy and why humour can improve your experience in therapy.
Here at KMA Therapy, we know everyone’s therapy journey will be different. We’re here to help you find the best therapist for you, and create a customized therapy plan to suit your specific needs.
Book an appointment today, or connect with our caring team if you have any questions.
If you’re not yet ready to book an appointment, check out these articles to keep learning:
- To learn more about therapy sessions, read: Are Awkward Silences Normal in Therapy?
- To explore other coping strategies, read: What is Mindfulness – And Can it Improve Your Wellbeing?
- To learn about whether you’re holding yourself back, read: What is Self-Sabotaging Behaviour – and 3 Ways to Stop It
