Why does being tickled make us laugh when it is such an unpleasant sensation?
The short answer is we really don't know. Of course, [people have their guesses](_URL_1_), and it seems to be that it isn't a naturally occurring physiological response driven by (as you put it) a biological imperitive. Most of the hypotheses point out that you typically 'learn' about tickling th…
The Short Answer
The short answer is we really don't know. Of course, [people have their guesses](_URL_1_), and it seems to be that it isn't a naturally occurring physiological response driven by (as you put it) a biological imperitive. Most of the hypotheses point out that you typically 'learn' about tickling through a parent/child interaction. Indeed, if you feel like reading up on scientists scarring childeren for life, [Cracked](_URL_0_) has 6 good tales, one that tried to prove whether tickling was a physiological response or a social learned response.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Response, physiological, tickling
This explanation focuses on response, physiological, tickling and spans 88 words across 4 sentences. At 29% above the average Psychology explanation (68 words), this is one of the more thorough answers in this category, reflecting the complexity of the underlying question.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “The short answer is we really don't know.” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 4 connected points.
How This Compares in Psychology
Ranked #141 of 500 Psychology questions by answer depth (top 29%). This falls in the detailed tier — above average depth. The explanation goes beyond surface-level but keeps things accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why being tickled make us laugh when it is such an unpleasant sensation?
The short answer is we really don't know. Of course, [people have their guesses](_URL_1_), and it seems to be that it isn't a naturally occurring physiological response driven by (as you put it) a biological imperitive. Most of the hypotheses point…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Psychology questions?
This is an above-average answer at 88 words, ranked #141 of 500 Psychology questions by depth. The key concepts covered are response, physiological, tickling.
What approach does this answer take to explain being tickled make us laugh when it is such an unpleasant se?
The explanation uses scientific references across 88 words. It is categorized under Psychology and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.