Laughter-inducing therapies: Systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of laughter-inducing therapies on mental and physical health outcomes, including depression, stress, and anxiety. Analyzing data from 86 studies and 29 controlled trials, the research found that non-humorous (simulated) laughter therapies, such as laughter yoga, had stronger effects than spontaneous (humorous) laughter. Results showed significant reductions in depression and anxiety, along with moderate reductions in stress. However, the study highlighted a substantial risk of bias and variability in methodology, limiting the reliability of the conclusions. These findings support laughter as a low-cost, universally accessible therapy with potential to enhance well-being and stress resilience.

Incorporate laughter-based activities, such as laughter yoga or group laughter sessions, into daily life to improve mood and reduce stress. While evidence supports these benefits, the variable quality of the studies means results should be interpreted cautiously, and further research is needed for broader applicability.