Relational Psychology (BONDING VIA LAUGHING) with Sara Algoe and Laura Kurtz

Basement card games. Fireside reminiscing. Being forced to learn a dance. Does acting like a cornball matter? Will bits save your life? Yes. I got myself to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to talk with research psychologists Dr. Sara Algoe and Dr. Laura Kurtz, who also run the research collective, The Love Consortium. They’re the team behind studies proving that laughing does predict and enhance lasting social support and lead to longer, better lives. We chat sneaky studies, in person vs. remote hangouts, which came first: the giggle or the oxytocin, which “novel and arousing” activities strengthen relationships, the immersive bonding of a slumber party with people you trust, words vs. actions, laughter amid conflict, and how connecting with old friends can keep you out of the hospital unless you decide to try amateur rodeo night at the fair.
Visit Dr. Algoe’s website (saraalgoe.com) and follow her on Google Scholar (scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=lt…)
Follow Dr. Kurtz on Google Scholar (scholar.google.com/citations?user=sI13xs0AAAAJ…)
A donation went to The Love Consortium (theloveconsortium.org)
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Other episodes you may enjoy:alieward.com/ologies/matrimoniologyPersonality Psychology (PERSONALITIES) (alieward.com/ologies/personalitypsychology), Eudemonology (HAPPINESS) (alieward.com/ologies/eudemonology), Awesomeology (GRATITUDE FOR LITTLE THINGS) (alieward.com/ologies/awesomeology), Funology (YES, FUN) (alieward.com/ologies/funology),alieward.com/ologies/food-anthropologyGelotology (LAUGHTER) (alieward.com/ologies/gelotology), Ergopathology (BURNOUT) (alieward.com/ologies/ergopathology), Philematology (KISSING) (alieward.com/ologies/philematology), Cardiology (THE HEART) (alieward.com/ologies/cardiology)
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Editing by Mercedes Maitland ofMaitland Audio Productions (maitlandaudio.com) andJake Chaffee (jecmusic.com)
Managing Director: Susan Hale
Scheduling Producer: Noel Dilworth
Transcripts by Aveline Malek
Website byKelly R. Dwyer (kellyrdwyer.com/photo)
Theme song by Nick Thorburn

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