Immunity and laughter

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,  August-Sept, 2005  by Robert A. Anderson

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Thirty-nine women viewed sad (Peege) and humorous (Cosby) videotapes in random-order crossover style and either inhibited or expressed laughter and weeping. Moods and sIgA were repeatedly measured. Two independent observers reading the results of laboratory sIgA results were in agreement (p<.001). SIgA was lowest in those weeping at the sad video (p<.05). Exposure to Cosby was immunoenhancing. Moods were more negative in the sad video than the humorous one (p<.01) and the Cosby humorous video generated the highest sIgA (p<.01).

Labott SM et al. The physiological and psychological effects of the expression and inhibition of emotion. Behav Med 1990 Winter; 16(4):182-89

COMMENT: Yes, we have always thought "laughter is the best medicine" (Reader's Digest). While this result is not unexpected, it's nice to have confirmation. For ourselves and our patients, our choices for optional activities including such aspects as television watching deserve our informed attention.

COPYRIGHT 2005 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group