title: Humor and Laughter May Influence Health: III. Laughter and Health Outcomes.
abstract: This is part three of a four-part series reviewing the evidence on how humor influences physiological and psychological well-being. The first article included basic background information, definitions and a review of the theoretical underpinnings for this area of research. The second article discussed use of humor as a complementary therapy within various clinical samples, as well as evidence concerning how a sense of humor influences physiological and psychological wellbeing. This third article examines how laughter influences health outcomes; including muscle tension, cardio-respiratory functioning and various stress physiology measures.
authors.affiliation: Indiana State University College of Nursing and University of South Florida.
authors.forename: Mary Payne
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Bennett
authors.forename: Cecile
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lengacher