Write a research-based essay to inform the reader about the positive effects of laughter on emotional and physical health. Properly cite research evidence to inform the audience about the topic.

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The Positive Effects of Laughter on Emotional and Physical Health
Allegedly, the regular dosage of the Old Marx Brother movies and episodes of Candid Camera were what made Norman Cousins, diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, live for another 25 years when he had a one-in-500 chance of getting better (Brannon et al. 174). Since then scientists around the world have conducted research to find out the effect of laughter on human health. In this context, the paper addresses the ability of laughter to cause positive changes in emotional and physical health.
Humour coming from people or a television program can decrease ones’ anger. According to Ong and Dulmen (237), when people are in situations that make them resentful or angry; making them laugh tends to defuse the conflict, anger or self-blame. Moreover, laughter can be used to distress one as it tends to counteract the feeling of sadness and anxiety. Weisse (379-380) explains that laughter is a source of happiness thus able to trigger an individual’s nervous systems relaxation response. As a result, it can help one release intense emotions such as sadness, anger and grief.
Besides, positively improving one’s emotional state, laughter can increase one’s energy levels. According to Monroe (1), laughter causes relaxations and revitalisation of the body thus making one energised and stay focus. Furthermore, he states that laughter reduces one’s physical tensions and can make the muscles relax for up to 45 minutes.

Also, Ong and Dulmen (238) indicate that people subjected to humour had an improvement in their immune response. In this case, laughter tends to improve one’s ability to heal quickly.
In summary, laughter can defuse negative emotions and make the body have a better response to health complications. Laughter tends to make the body relax hence relieving one from anger, grief and stress. Furthermore, laughter improves the immune response and reduces physical tension. Therefore, a dosage of laughter should be included in all emotional and physical health therapies.

Works Cited
Brannon, Linda, Jess Feist, and John A. Up DeGraff. Health psychology: An introduction to behavior and health. Cengage Learning, 2013.
Monroe, Jamison. “Benefits of Laughter.” Newport Academy, Newport Academy, 13 Apr. 2018, www.newportacademy.com/resources/mental-health/laughter-good-for-you/.
Ong, Anthony D., and Manfred HM Van Dulmen, eds. Oxford handbook of methods in positive psychology. Oxford University Press, 2006.
Weisse, Allen B. “Humor in medicine: Can laughter help in healing?” Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings. Vol. 30. No. 3. Taylor & Francis, 2017.