What is the formal name for the study of humor and laughter and their effects on the human body?

The study of humor and laughter, along with their effects on the human body, is known as gelotology. This specialized field examines how laughter can influence psychological and physiological responses, including stress reduction, pain relief, and overall well-being. Gelotology acknowledges the complex interactions between the mind and body, establishing laughter not only as a social behavior but also as a potential mechanism for improving health outcomes.

Other choices may relate to broader fields. Psychoanalysis focuses on the understanding of the unconscious mind and emotional processes, while psychology encompasses the scientific study of behavior and mental processes generally, without specifically targeting humor. Physiology looks at the functions and mechanisms of the body, but it does not specifically address the psychological implications of laughter and humor in the way gelotology does. Thus, gelotology is the precise term for this unique intersection of humor and health.