Study: Laughter Ideal Spark for New Relationships
[/one_fourth][three_fourth_last]The researchers found that participants weren’t actually aware that they’d let down their guard, so to speak. Only the note recipients and study organizers were aware of the more personal nature of the notes.
Scientists say the more open nature of the exchanges weren’t simply a result of participants having a more positive experience. Physiological — or hormonal — changes are likely at play.
“This seems to be in line with the notion that laughter is linked specifically to fostering behaviors that encourage relationship development, since observer ratings of disclosure may be more important for relationship development than how much one feels one is disclosing,” study leader Alan Gray, a researcher at the University College London Gray, said in a press release.
“These results suggest that laughter should be a serious topic for those interested in the development of social relationships,” Gray added.
The new study was published this week in the journal Human Nature.
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