Glossary // Glossary term Theoretical
Endogenous opioids and the endorphin hypothesis
Endogenous opioids, including beta-endorphin, are peptides produced by the body that act on opioid receptors and are involved in pain modulation and reward. The endorphin hypothesis proposes that activities such as laughter, synchronised dance and exertion feel good and promote bonding partly through opioid release. Most human studies test it indirectly, using a rise in pain threshold as a proxy, so the evidence is consistent with the hypothesis rather than a direct measurement of opioid activity. What moving in time with others does to people: evidence that synchrony increases affiliation and cooperation, that group dance raises pain thresholds, and that musical peaks engage the brain's reward system. Dancing, singing and moving in synchrony with others increases closeness and cooperation and lifts mood acutely. Treat these as real benefits, and do not expect them to resolve the difficulties you bring with you. The works the definition rests on, with the level of evidence each was appraised at. (2012). Social laughter is correlated with an elevated pain threshold. doi:10.1098/rspb.2011.1373 Supports the claim that pain thresholds were higher after social laughter than in control conditions. Pain threshold is used as a proxy for endorphin release, which was not measured directly. (2015). Synchrony and exertion during dance independently raise pain threshold and encourage social bonding. doi:10.1098/rsbl.2015.0767 Supports the claim that synchrony and exertion each raised pain thresholds and in-group bonding. Pain threshold is a proxy for endorphin activity, which was not measured directly.Where the site uses it
Studies behind it