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Chronic stress is correlated with increases in stress hormones cortisol and catecholamines. We have reported that a mirthful laughter humor experience (a eustress positive phenomenon that ameliorates biological effects of distress): 1) increases CD4 cells; 2) increases NKCA; 3) increases IFN‐γ and, in perceptual anticipation of a laughter eustress event increases positive psychological mood states along with β‐endorphin and HGH. Postulating that a decrease in neuroendocrine stress hormones may parallel these anticipatory changes, we studied 16 healthy fasting male subjects for cortisol and catecholamine plasma levels in anticipation of a eustress humor/laughter experience. Three days prior to the intervention subjects were notified of random assignment (experimental or control). Blood was drawn before the intervention, four times during and three times post. One sided independent t‐tests showed anticipatory baseline decreases for cortisol, epinephrine and dopac (dopamine catabolite) in the experimental laughter group (p<0.01). Trend analysis showed progressive patterns of decrease (p<0.01). We suggest the perception of anticipating a positive eustress event decreases stress hormones cortisol and catecholamines, concomitant with positive mood state changes. These neuroendocrine findings have immune modulation implications beneficial in stress reduction for wellness & prevention.

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