Summary: Self-deprecating humor, when used thoughtfully, can help people regulate emotions, build trust, and foster connection—especially in therapeutic settings. Far from being purely negative, this type of humor signals humility, self-awareness, and confidence.However, when extreme or poorly received, it can hint at low self-esteem or act as a subtle cry...

Summary: A new study reveals that serotonin neurons in the brain may play a crucial role in helping us estimate the value of future rewards. Rather than simply responding to pleasure or pain, serotonin appears to encode a “prospective value” signal—telling the brain how good the near future is likely...