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      Humor theories and the physiological benefits of laughter.

      1 ,
      Holistic nursing practice
      Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)

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          Abstract

          There are 3 main theories used to explain the functions of humor: (1) the relief theory, (2) the incongruity theory, and (3) the superiority theory. While these theories focus on the specific role that humor plays for people in situations such as dealing with misfortune, making sense of rule violations, and bonding with others, we propose that underlying each of these theories are the physiological benefits of laughter. We draw on findings from empirical studies on laughter to demonstrate that these physiological benefits occur regardless of the theory that is used to explain the humor function. Findings from these studies have important implications for nurse practitioners working in hospice settings, long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and hospitals.

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          Author and article information

          Journal
          Holist Nurs Pract
          Holistic nursing practice
          Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
          1550-5138
          0887-9311
          November 11 2009
          : 23
          : 6
          Affiliations
          [1 ] Department of Special Education, St Cloud State University, Education Bldg B129, St Cloud, Minnesota 56301, USA. wilkin6@clemson.edu
          Article
          00004650-200911000-00005
          10.1097/HNP.0b013e3181bf37ad
          19901609
          d971e632-c259-4908-ac37-568e0d3d7a20
          History

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