Liberating the mental health and wellbeing benefits of laughing alone: a new taxonomic model and scoping review for future research.

ABSTRACT: Laughter has been predominantly viewed as a social behavior, and laughing alone is often regarded doubtfully, even pathologized. While solitary laughter can be symptomatic of mental health issues, one motivation of this review was to explore whether it can also offer mental health benefits. Research demonstrates that over 10% of laughter occurs in solitude and there is increasing awareness that it is not only enjoyed but can serve important roles in supporting health and wellbeing. To establish a useful foundation for further exploration of its potential in enhancing health and wellbeing, this review scopes the subject across disciplines. An unprecedented search revealed 120 records (n = 83 academic articles n = 37 literary and book references) that mention solitary laughter in meaningful

SUBMITTER: Gonot-Schoupinsky F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12037970 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature