Abstract
The literature on the association of physical activity with mental health (especially depression and anxiety) is extensive. However, its relationship with sense of humor as a protective factor for mental health has not received much attention. The sixty-two adult participants of the current study were split into two groups according to their habitual physical activity over the previous month as reported in the University of Houston Non-Exercise Questionnaire. Both groups completed the Multidimensional Sense of Humor Scale (MSHS) and were presented with ten humorous, ten incongruent, ten erotica and ten neutral pictures for 6 seconds/each in a passive viewing task while their heart rate responses were recorded. Moreover, resting heart rate variability (HRV), as a reliable index of physical and mental health was also obtained. The results showed that participants in the high physical activity group had better humor sense according to the scores in the MSHS and higher HRV than participants in the low physical activity. Additionally, only the high physical activity group manifested higher heart rate to humorous pictures compared to other emotional pictures. The accelerative component of the cardiac response is linked to positive emotions. These findings provide subjective and physiological indices that suggest a relationship between physical activity, health and sense of humor.
Presenters
Elisabeth Ruiz PadialProfessor, Psychology, University of Jaén, Jaén, Spain Gustavo Reyes
University of Jaén, Spain
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
The Physiology, Kinesiology and Psychology of Wellness in its Social Context
KEYWORDS
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, SENSE OF HUMOR, HEART RATE, HEART RATE VARIABILITY
