Keywords

comedy; college student mental health; humor and emotional regulation; mixed-methods research; digital wellness intervention; social connection

Abstract

College students face rising rates of anxiety, depression, and stress, highlighting the need for accessible, stigma-free wellness interventions. While comedy is often seen as entertainment, research indicates laughter produces measurable psychological and physiological benefits, including reduced cortisol and increased endorphins. Life in Laughter, a creative-research hybrid project, investigates how live and digital comedy experiences affect college students’ mood, stress, and sense of belonging. Using mixed methods, data were collected through anonymous audience surveys, app-based reflections via JoyScroll, and interviews, supplemented by a mini-documentary. Findings suggest humor functions as both an emotional regulation tool and a means of fostering social connection. By integrating creative production, empirical inquiry, and digital innovation, this project demonstrates the measurable and meaningful impact of laughter, offering insight into scalable wellness strategies for higher education.

Thesis Completion Year

2026

Thesis Completion Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair

Shah, Heerak

College

College of Sciences

Department

Nicholson School of Communication and Media

Thesis Discipline

Media Production and Management

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus Access

None

Download

Share

COinS
 

Accessibility Statement

This item was created or digitized prior to April 24, 2027, or is a reproduction of legacy media created before that date. It is preserved in its original, unmodified state specifically for research, reference, or historical recordkeeping. In accordance with the ADA Title II Final Rule, the University Libraries provides accessible versions of archival materials upon request. To request an accommodation for this item, please submit an accessibility request form.

Rights Statement

In Copyright