Research into Laughter

As more and more people become aware of the enormous benefits of laughter, more research is being undertaken to support the claim that laughter really is the best medicine.

Self-efficacy in the Workplace
This study measured the impact of a purposeful aerobic laughter intervention on employees' sense of self-efficacy in the workplace. Employees demonstrated a significant increase in several different aspects of self-efficacy; including self-regulation, optimism, positive emotions and social identification, and they maintained these gains at a 90 day follow-up.

The positive outcomes seen in this study lead to the preliminary conclusion that a workplace laughter group can appeal to a diverse range of emploees, can be effective with minimal investment in time, and may have sustained positive effects on self-beliefs that have been shown to correlate with positive workplace behaviours.

This study is unique in that the intervention consisted of 'laughter without humour'; exercises designed to evoke the physiological act of laughter without relying on humourous stimuli. The daily 15 minute session produced significant positive changes without changing any other environmental factors.

For more information visit www.laughterlinks.com/research/default.htm

Unconditional Laugher and Workplace Stress (Svyasa University Research Institute, India) August 2007
Laughter Yoga can result in increased productivity and quality of work, better communication and interpersonal relationships and a more harmonious workplace. 

For Summary of Research Findings visit www.laughangeles.com/pdf/first-bangalore-study.pdf

Natural Killer Cell Activity
This study at Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine Japan, measured the elevated natural killer cell activity (NKCA) from laughter. NKCA is an important factor in viral infections, cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.

For more information visit www.laughteryoga.org/research.php

Blood Pressure, Immune Function and Endorphin Release
This study by Dr Lee S. Berk of Loma Lind University in California, measured positive effects of laughter on blood pressure, stress hormones, infection fighting T-cells, disease fighting proteins (gamma-interferon and B cells, which produce disease destroying antibodies), and endorphin levels (the body's natural painkillers and producers of a general sense of wellbeing).

For more information visit www.happinessheals.com/research.html

Forced laughter is a powerful, readily available and cost-free way for many adults to regularly boost their mood and psychological wellbeing.

For more information visit http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/03/31/1048962698891.html