We’ve heard about numerous phobias, a few of which we know about and some that are bizarre. This week, The Pioneer’s Tejal Sinha brings to you gelotophobia. To know what it is and to understand if you may have it, go ahead and give the column a read.
Laughter is the best medicine; we’ve heard this enough, haven’t we? Humor has been promoted as a cure-all that strengthens the immune system, makes it easier to succeed at work, and even extends our lives. But did you know that for some people, chuckles are no laughing matter? Yes, you read that right! The situation, or the phrase “potentially crippling fear of being laughed at,” sums up gelotophobia.
A person with gelotophobia might hear a stranger laugh and think it is directed at them. In extreme situations, the reaction could include palpitations, sweating uncontrollably, or even violence. It appears that some school shootings have been brought on by students making fun of the shooter.
Gelotophobia fears mockery and, regrettably, frequently can’t tell the difference between playful teasing and ridicule. By interviewing over 23,000 people in 73 nations, psychologist Willibald Ruch of the University of Zurich has made an effort to establish the scientific merit of gelotophobia. He discovered that between two and thirty percent of people have the disease. Those who suffer from gelotophobia, or fear of being laughed at, dread even well-intentioned jokes.
They don’t trust friendly laughter — someone is just enjoying themselves. Any laughter is bad laughter, says psychologist Willibald Ruch of the University of Zurich, who pioneered research on the unusual condition in the mid-2000s. Researchers are now starting to comprehend the origins of gelotophobia.
Parenting could be a factor in addition to culture. In a study of 100 families, parents who were more inclined to use punishment and control had children who were afraid of laughing. Numerous studies have revealed that bullies frequently target homophobes.
Additionally, a 2012 study found that 36% of gelotophobes fit the diagnostic criteria for social anxiety, indicating a potential overlap with the illness. Well, though there hasn’t been much research or data related to it, The Pioneer interacts with a few experts to understand the cause, symptoms, and more.To begin with, let’s understand what possible gelotophobia could mean.
“Gelotophobia is possibly the fear of laughter or being laughed at,” shares psychologist Kirti Rao, stating that gelotophobes may have been given different diagnoses, such as “specific” phobias or generalised social anxiety disorder, since gelotophobia is a relatively new term. “A person with gelotophobia might overhear a stranger laughing and assume it is directed at them. They fear ridicule and, regrettably, frequently cannot tell the difference between mockery and harmless teasing. Gelotophobes either do not comprehend laughter or believe it is being maliciously directed at them and become frightened when they hear it.”
Symptoms Of Gelotophobia
In extreme situations, Dr. Sreedharan Kumar, a clinical psychologist, shared that this may result in palpitations, sweating uncontrollably, or even violence. Patients have also described emotions like wrath that lasted for days as well as guilt and embarrassment.
Gelotophobia The majority of symptoms are automatic, uncontrollable, and seem to take over a person’s thoughts; as a result, “safety” or “avoidance” behaviors — extreme steps made to avoid the dreaded object or situation — are typically the result. Additional signs can include:
.Preventing mistakes
.Avoiding interpersonal contact
.Unable to Unwind
.Feeling lightheaded
.Prickly feelings
.Pains and aches
.Sticky and dry mouth
.Breathlessness
“Gelotophobia is believed to mostly emerge during adolescence, a time when bullying is prevalent and adolescents are more sensitive to the thoughts and impressions of others. Your identity as a young adult is developing, as is how you wish to be perceived by others. Because of others’ remarks and actions, young people who are taught to feel that they are something to be laughed at may carry this belief into adulthood,” shares Dr. Sreedharan.
Treating Gelotophobia
The majority of gelotophobics are aware that their fear is “irrational,” but they nonetheless continue to feel it. Because of this, just telling someone to “snap out of it” rarely results in a solution.Given that gelotophobia is a sort of social phobia that is frequently caused by prior experiences, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may be the most successful treatment. This therapy focuses on changing the way you think when you hear laughter and challenging the likelihood that people are making fun of you.
Coping techniques can also be taught so that, even if you feel like people are making fun of you, the effect on your mood and sense of self-worth is diminished.However, it is important to understand that the treatment can vary from person to person based on the symptoms. It is highly recommended to take some time out of yourself, meditate, and contact health professionals when required.
