SMILING, LAUGHTER, AND HAPPINESS What is the effect of smiling and laughter on happiness?

What is Happiness IT is a Fundamental Human Emotion

It is Often Characterised by a Sense of Enthusiasm outgoingness extraversion optimism

Physiology of HappinessThe area of the brain most associated with

happiness is the limbic system Amygdala Thalamus, Hypothalamus Hippocampus Neurotransmitters arealso important to the Feeling of Happiness

Why does Happiness Occur Evolutionary psychologists believe that

happiness played a part in mammal or human survival in a continuously changing environment

Sex drive Mating Social acceptability Reward System

Benefits of HappinessPhysical Benefits Increased Energy Improved Response to Common IllnessMental Benefits Higher Emotional Stability More Effective Copping MechanismsSocial Benefits Increased likelihood of Workplace Success Increased number of Friendships Increased likelihood of Success in Common

and Romantic Relationships

Smiling and LaughterSmiling One of the first expressions Universally recognised as an Expression of Happiness Transmits Positivity and Receives Positivity Socially Motivated

Smiling and Laughter Laughter Universally recognised Improves negative moods Socially motivated Seen as a more Advanced expression of happiness

Social implications of Smiling, Laughter and Happiness

Smiling and laughter transmit Happiness Smiling and happiness improve social

interactions Have a lasting effect on a persons social

competence

Facial Feedback Hypothesis

The effect of the physical act of smiling and laughter as a way of effecting a persons happiness.

It has been shown to increase happiness if only slightly

Applications of HappinessThe expression of happiness has a positive

effect on almost every aspect of a persons life

Showing happiness through smiling improves

Likability and trust worthiness Social Success and Acceptance Can Improve your mood It can increase Physical, Mental and

Social Wellbeing

References Argyle, M. (2013). The psychology of happiness. New York, NY:

Routledge. Barak, Y. (2006). The immune system and happiness. Autoimmunity

Reviews, 5(8), 523-527. doi:10.1016/j.autrev.2006.02.010 Holmes, J., & Marra, M. (2002). Having a laugh at work: How humour

contributes to workplace culture. Journal of Pragmatics, 34(12), 1683-1710. doi:10.1016/S0378-2166(02)00032-2

Lyubomirsky, S., King, L., & Diener, E. (2005). The benefits of frequent positive affect: Does happiness lead to success? Psychological Bulletin, 131(6), 803-855. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.131.6.803

Nettle, D. (2005). Happiness: The science behind your smile. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Reeve, J. (2015). Understanding motivation and emotion (Sixth ed.). Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

And Images from Microsoft ClipArt