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Updated: May 29, 2026
09:16
Dynamic Quantitative Sensory Testing to Characterize Central Pain Processing
Published on: February 16, 2017
Social laughter is correlated with an elevated pain threshold
R I M Dunbar1, Rebecca Baron, Anna Frangou
1British Academy Centenary Research Project, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. robin.dunbar@anthro.ox.ac.uk
Proceedings. Biological Sciences
|September 17, 2011
Summary
Laughter, particularly social Duchenne laughter, boosts pain tolerance by releasing endorphins. This study confirms laughter
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Human Communication
Background:
- Laughter is a key aspect of human non-verbal communication.
- Social laughter (Duchenne) is linked to well-being and positive emotions.
- Endorphin release is a potential mechanism for these effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if endorphin release during laughter enhances pain thresholds.
- To differentiate the pain-tolerance effect of laughter from general positive affect.
Main Methods:
- Six experimental studies were conducted in lab and naturalistic settings.
- Participants watched videos and stage performances to elicit laughter.
- Changes in pain threshold were measured as an indicator of endorphin release.
Main Results:
- Pain thresholds were significantly elevated following laughter compared to control conditions.
- The pain-tolerance effect was directly attributable to laughter, not merely positive affect.
- Evidence supports an endorphin-mediated mechanism for laughter's effects.
Conclusions:
- Laughter, through endorphin release, increases pain tolerance.
- This physiological effect of laughter may contribute to social bonding.
- Further research into the neurobiological underpinnings of laughter is warranted.
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