Berk, L. S., &Tan, S. A. (2006). [beta]-Endorphin and HGH increase are associated with both the anticipation and experience of mirthful laughter. The FASEB Journal, 20(4), A382.

Chronic stress is correlated with increases in stress hormones such as cortisol and catecholamines. This can lead to suppression of immune components. We have previously reported that humor associated mirthful laughter (a eustress, positive phenomenon that ameliorates biological effects of distress): 1) decreases “detrimental” stress hormones; 2) increases NK cell activity and 3) increases IFN-. We have, also, reported that anticipation of a behavioral laughter eustress event increases positive psychological mood states prior to the intervention. Postulating that “beneficial” neuropeptide and neuroendocrine changes may parallel anticipatory positive mood state changes, we studied 16 healthy fasting male subjects for β-Endorphin and HGH changes in a eustress humor/laughter experiment. Three days prior to the intervention subjects were notified of random assignment (experimental or control). Blood was drawn before the intervention, four times during and three times post. One sided independent t-tests showed anticipatory baseline increases for β-Endorphin and HGH in the experimental laughter group (p<0.01). Trend analysis showed a progressive pattern of eustress change for β-Endorphin and HGH (p<0.01). We suggest that the anticipation, prior to the experience, of a positive humor/laughter eustress event initiates “beneficial” modulation of key neuropeptide and neuroendocrine hormones, concomitant with positive mood state changes. These findings have immune modulation implications that may be beneficial in stress reduction for wellness & prevention.

 

 

 

Berk, L. S., & Tan, S. A. (2006). [beta]-Endorphin and HGH increase are associated with both the anticipation and experience of mirthful laughter. The FASEB Journal, 20(4), A382.