Date of Award
5-17-1997
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
The effects of volitional laughter on positive affect, negative affect, and day-to-day depressive symptoms among college students were investigated utilizing a non-equivalent control group design. The laughter group (n = 23) participated in daily volitional laughter treatments (three treatments of 30 seconds each) while the control group (n = 40) received no treatment. Both groups were pre- and post-tested using the PANAS (Positive And Negative Affect Schedule) and the CES-D (Center for Epidemiological Studies -Depression Inventory). A significant difference was found for the laughter group in negative affect. An additional post-hoc analysis, after eliminating a group of subjects from the control group, indicated a significant difference for the volitional laughter treatment group in increasing positive affect. No significant difference in depressive symptoms was detected.
Recommended Citation
Krauss, Gregory W., "The effects of volitional laughter on positive and negative affect and depressive symptoms" (1997). Psychology . 44.
https://ualaska.researchcommons.org/uaf_grad_psychology/44
Handle
http://hdl.handle.net/11122/9616