Laughter, Health and Well-Being-Research Reveals A Link

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Last Updated:: January 27, 2010

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Laughter, Health and Well-Being

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by Elaine R. Ferguson, MD

Medical studies document the relationship between laughter and health. Dr. Herbert Lefcourt, a renowned psychologist researched the consideration that laughter and how it can alter our reaction to stress.

In his research, the participants reviewed the occurrence of significant stressful life experiences happened over a six month period, as well as their negative emotions and disruptions were reviewed.

He then administered tests to evaluate use of humor, perception of humor, appreciation of laughter, and efforts to include opportunities for humor and laughter into each subject's lifestyle.

The outcome found the ability to enjoy and experience humor can dampen to negative and disruptive moods that were experienced in response to the stressful events that were perceived negatively.

The studies conducted during the last decade aids our understanding of the mind and body's intrinsic link. The feelings and moods we trigger have an important affect on our immune system's health and function.

Patricia Wooten, a nurse-researcher conducted another intriguing study in 1990 at the England's 8th International Conference. Wooten measured changes in an appreciation of laughter in response to a laughter training course. She discovered that people who were led and guided to use laughter cultivated a sense of control in their lives.

We cannot control the external events in our world but we do have the ability to control how we view these events and respond to them emotionally. Through humor and laughter, we can somehow maneuver emotional hindrances into controllable responses, thus, preventing possible negative impact on our health and immune system.

We can't alter the outside world and events as we would like, we do posses the means to affect how we see these events emotionally, and respond to them. Using humor and laughter, we can take charge of our challenging and unhealthy reactions in more positive ones, and bypassing the deteriorating effect on our health and immune system.

There's a difference between appropriate and inappropriate humor that is healthy and laughter that is harmful and unhealthy. The basic rule of thumb is that appropriate humor is inclusive, bringing people together. It decreases prejudice by focusing on the universal human experience.

It encourages a positive atmosphere, and builds rapport and trust. Inappropriate humor is exclusive, separates people, offends or lacks awareness of others' feelings. Research has also shown that there is a distinctive difference in the health benefits of positive and the damage of negative humor. Positive humor is beneficial to health, while negative (inappropriate) humor is not.

We know when we experience positive and negative humor. The negative type, while appearing to be funny and harmless, is quite disruptive physiologically. We have the ability to sense what's positive and uplifting and what's harmful, either to others or ourselves.

It is important to acknowledge what we feel and sense, and allow that to guide us. It will fortify our bodies and strengthen our sense of well-being.

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