Final answer:
A longitudinal study indicated that participants who laughed frequently experienced decreased symptoms of physical stress. Laughter can enhance immune function and reduce stress hormones, contributing to physical stress relief and potentially lowering the risk of stress-induced disorders.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is: a) Decreased; physical stress.
Laughter has been associated with numerous health benefits, including the reduction of stress. Several studies, such as the one involving Swiss police officers and emergency service personnel, have demonstrated that behaviors promoting good health, like regular exercise, are associated with reduced levels of stress. Laughter, much like exercise, can serve as a protective mechanism against stress-related health problems. Research supports the idea that frequent laughter leads to decreased symptoms of physical stress. For instance, laughter can enhance immune system functioning, which is often compromised during periods of stress. Furthermore, by decreasing stress hormones such as cortisol and epinephrine, laughter can alleviate the physical symptoms of stress.
Reduced levels of stress hormones can also lead to an improvement in cardiovascular health, thus decreasing the risk of stress-induced psychophysiological disorders. Psychophysiological disorders are physical diseases that are either brought about or exacerbated by psychological factors, including stress. A positive mood and laughter are thought to be beneficial in coping with stress and may potentially decrease the prevalence of these disorders.