Previous work has indicated that humor enhances immunity, but the immunological effects of overt crying have not been studied. Thirty-nine women viewed sad and humorous videotapes and either inhibited or expressed overt expressions of laughter and weeping; these were observed and timed. Moods and immunity (S-IgA) were repeatedly measured. The humorous stimulus resulted in improved immunity, regardless of the overt laughter expressed; overt crying was immunosuppressive, whereas the inhibition of weeping in the context of the same sad stimulus was not. Moods were more negative following the sad stimulus and in the expression condition. The results with respect to humor are consistent with previous research; the immunosuppressive effect of overt crying is discussed in the context of various types of crying that may have different effects.
As we set course into the twenty-first century, the landscape of the work environment is changing at breakneck speed. For many, technology has eliminated the physical boundaries between work and home and removed the temporal boundaries as well. The concept of working "24/7" has become the buzz-phrase, and being "connected" seems essential. With this technological backdrop, business and industry have exhibited significant shifts in operating. Companies are downsizing, right-sizing, and outsourcing. There are hostile takeovers, leveraged buyouts, and globalization. Layoffs, unemployment, employee retraining, and job sharing have become more familiar threats and considerations in the workforce.These factors have greatly affected approaches to work, perceptions, and expectations of what defines a "good" employee. Furthermore, stress and work strain have become common topics in the popular press, on the nightly news, and in break rooms. When studying stress in the workplace, researchers frequently identify the importance of the person-environment interaction. Conceptually, individual coping styles, vulnerabilities, and resilience are viewed as interacting with external circumstances to yield personal strain (
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