Study Reveals How Laughter Boosts Brain Growth in Children

Jakarta – The long-held belief that laughter is the best medicine may carry more scientific weight than previously thought. A recent study suggests that laughter plays a significant role in supporting children’s brain development, emotional well-being, and social abilities.

Jacqueline Harding, an early childhood development expert from Middlesex University, explained that laughter and play are fundamental building blocks for healthy brain growth. In her book The Brain That Loves to Laugh, Harding describes joy as a complex biological process that helps children cope with stress and build mental resilience.

“When we see children laughing, we are witnessing the brilliance of a brain that is actively working, learning, connecting, and developing,” Harding said, as quoted by Fox News on Monday (June 8, 2026).

According to her, hope and humor are not merely complementary aspects of life, but essential components of a healthy developmental framework for children.

Harding further noted that laughter activates multiple brain networks, including motor regions and the prefrontal cortex, even before children develop speech. As the brain processes the contradictions often found in humor, it trains creativity and working memory, functioning as a form of “mental exercise.”

Beyond its cognitive benefits, laughter also influences the body’s biological state. It has been shown to reduce stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine, while increasing the production of chemicals associated with positive emotions, including dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins.

In addition, laughter boosts oxytocin levels, a hormone that strengthens emotional bonds between parents and children. Conversely, prolonged stress can disrupt learning processes, weaken the immune system, and affect the development of the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for emotions and long-term memory.

“A child’s emotional state directly shapes how they experience life and interact with the world around them,” Harding said.

She encouraged parents to create more spontaneous and joyful playtime with their children. Such activities, she noted, act as a natural antidote to stress by stimulating the release of endorphins in the brain.

Pleasurable interactions not only trigger laughter but also help children develop emotional regulation skills, foster a sense of security, build stronger relationships, and enhance both social and cognitive development. Harding also emphasized the importance of incorporating humor into educational settings. A positive and enjoyable learning environment, she argued, can reduce cognitive burden and improve information retention.

“Secure relationships and stress-free play environments are essential for learning. The curriculum should not take precedence over these fundamental factors,” she said.

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