While dad jokes might elicit eye-rolls from family members, they can have a positive impact on brain health. According to a study published on PsyArXiv, dad humor is firmly rooted in puns and wordplay, making it broadly accessible and creating opportunities for shared humor across generations.

Laughter and Brain Chemistry

Laughter alters internal chemistry by decreasing stress hormones like cortisol and epinephrine, while simultaneously increasing happiness chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. A 2023 review in PLOS One found that a single laughter session could slash cortisol levels by more than 36%.

This drop in stress lights up regions like the prefrontal cortex, helping the brain to process complex ideas. Studies have linked pun comprehension to verbal ability, creative thinking, and the ability to make connections between different meanings.

Family Benefits

Sharing a good laugh can boost oxytocin, a hormone known to deepen emotional bonds between parents and children. It also promotes co-regulation, allowing individuals to manage their own stress by drawing on a shared biological store of positive, safe experiences.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.