FILM-INDUCED AMUSEMENT CHANGES IN SALIVA CORTISOL-LEVELS

The present study, aimed at investigating effects of film-induced amus ement on saliva cortisol levels, was performed on 52 healthy male volu nteers, aged 19-31 years. They were assigned to an amusement or a cont rol condition. Saliva cortisol and affective film ratings were the dep endent variables. During amusement 50% of the subjects showed changes in saliva cortisol correlated positively with ratings of funniness. Th us, cortisol secretion may be linked to emotional arousal, regardless of the emotional valence.