title: [Laughter: gender differences].
abstract: Laughter is associated to many physiological and psychological benefits. Although women laugh more than men do, the daily frequency of laughter does not seem to differ. Laughter in all its forms and manifestations is an indicator of family vitality and healthy couples. Laughter is very attractive at the interpersonal level, especially for women. Men use humor much more and laughter when it comes to discussing sensitive health issues. In women, laughter would be more associated with greater social support in relationships and as a tool to cope with stress. Inviting laughter in the doctor's office may be very useful when directing certain messages on therapeutic management. Taking into account possible gender differences in the use of humor and laughter may help to improve the relationship with the patient and optimize the clinical application of laughter in health care and education setting.
authors.affiliation: Red Española de Investigación en ciencias de la Risa (REIR), Barcelona, España. ramon.morari@gmail.com
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mora-Ripoll
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Ubal-López
mesh_terms: D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007845:Laughter / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012737:Sex Factors; D012904:Smiling / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology