THE ROLE OF LAUGHTER AND HUMOR THERAPY IN HEALTH PROMOTION AND CLINICAL PRACTICE

Abstract

Objective. To review the literature on types of laughter, its physiology, the possibilities of humor application, its development, and its effects on physical and mental health across different age groups.
Methods. This article presents a literature review primarily based on the PubMed database, with additional sources from EBSCO. The following keywords were used for the literature search: laughter therapy, humor, physiology of laughter, medical clowning, humor development, health promotion. English-language scientific articles published between 2006 and 2025 were included in the review. Most of the selected studies were published within the last 10 years, although several earlier theoretically significant sources were also included.
Results. According to the literature, laughter can be classified into several types: spontaneous, simulated, stimulated, induced, and pathological. The occurrence of laughter is associated with the coordinated activity of various brain structures, and laughter activates neuroendocrine responses related to reduced stress and improved emotional well-being. The understanding of humor develops gradually during childhood and can be divided into several developmental stages. Studies indicate that laughter and humor-based interventions may reduce anxiety, stress, and pain, improve emotional well-being, and strengthen social relationships.
Conclusions. Laughter activates the endocrine and nervous systems, stimulates the release of neurotransmitters and hormones, and may reduce stress and the perception of pain; therefore, it can be applied as a complementary, non-invasive therapeutic intervention. It also positively affects psychological well-being, improves emotional state, and may contribute to strengthening social relationships. Laughter has different forms that are important to distinguish in clinical contexts, and humor comprehension develops during childhood and remains individual.