Abstract

Chronic pain is a pervasive condition that affects millions of people worldwide, often leading to a significant decline in physical, emotional, and social well-being. While medical treatments and therapeutic interventions are commonly used to manage chronic pain, non-pharmacological approaches, such as humor, have emerged as valuable tools in improving the quality of life of those suffering from long-term pain. Humor, through its ability to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and alter the perception of pain, plays an important role in the psychological coping mechanisms of individuals with chronic pain. This article explores the psychological and physiological effects of humor in coping with chronic pain, discussing how laughter and humor can help mitigate emotional distress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental health. The article also addresses the potential limitations of humor as a coping strategy and highlights the importance of incorporating humor into a comprehensive pain management approach. Finally, it examines the factors that influence the effectiveness of humor in pain management, including individual differences, the context in which humor is used, and the types of humor that may be most beneficial for chronic pain sufferers.