The psychophysiological effects of spontaneous laughter in a passive coping situation

IR

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Other Title
  • 受動的対処事態における自発的笑いの生理心理学的効果
  • ジュドウテキ タイショ ジタイ ニ オケル ジハツテキ ワライ ノ セイリ シンリガクテキ コウカ

Description

Research over the past few years has suggested that positive emotional expressions such as mirthful laughter mediate neuroendocrine hormones involved in the classical stress response. Moreover, research has suggested that spontaneous laughter contributes to physiological and psychological health. For example, Berk et al.（1989） reported on the relationship between natural killer cell activity and laughter. They also reported that mirthful laughter appears to reduce serum levels of cortisol, dopamine, endorphins, and growth hormone. These biochemical changes have implications for the reversal of the neuroendocrine and classical stress hormone response. The current study investigated the effects of spontaneous laughter on cardiovascular and autonomic nervous response to a humorous video preceding a task involving passive coping with stress. Thirty university students were randomly divided into a group that watched a video of individuals laughing and that laughed spontaneously（n=15）and a control group that watched a monitor with a white screen（n=15） during a passive coping situation. Heart rate（HR）, systolic blood pressure （SBP）, diastolic blood pressure（DBP）, low-frequency（LF）and high-frequency（HF）heart rate variability, the LF/HF ratio, and baroreflex sensitivity （BRS）were measured throughout the experiment. Results revealed that coactivation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system occurred during display of the image of laughter, and the stress response was suppressed during the task involving passive coping with stress. Repeatedly experiencing positive emotions, i.e. laughter and humor, may cause suppression of the sympathetic nervous system or activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, possibility reducing a depressive state.

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