In his earlier work the author has studied stress and the personality
characteristics that protect us from its effects on health and
well-being. In this new book he places humor firmly within the
literatures of coping processes, the moderation of stressful
experiences, and health by showing how humor can help create and
encourage feelings of community, closeness, and control. Lefcourt blends
empirical research with anecdotal reports in this thoughtful volume.