Humor, laughter, and physical health: Methodological issues and research findings

All published research examining effects of humor and laughter on physical health is reviewed. Potential causal mechanisms and methodological issues a re discussed. Laboratory experiments have shown some effects of exposure, t o comedy on several components of immunity, although the findings are incon sistent and most of the studies have methodological problems. There is also some evidence of analgesic effects of exposure to comedy, although similar findings are obtained with negative emotions. Few significant correlations have been found between trait measures of humor and immunity, pain toleran ce, or self-reported illness symptoms. There is also little evidence of str ess-moderating effects of humor on physical health variables and no evidenc e of increased longevity with greater humor. More rigorous and theoreticall y informed research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn about po ssible health benefits of humor and laughter.