As a layman’s definition that separates emotional benefits from psychological ones, Shirley says she sees emotional as "the way we look inwardly at ourselves." That is, the way we feel about ourselves.
If you’ve ever experienced depression, this should need little explanation. It’s the perspective that causes a person to say, "Poor me," or "I’m not important enough to ask anyone else to care about helping me."
Humor helps a person reconnect with what’s right about oneself in at least two ways: it causes the person to focus outward, for the good of others; and in so doing 2) the person serves as an "energy generator" to others. This often results in an increased feeling of self-worth. If nothing else, it causes an individual to have other healthy relationships available to stimulate positive interaction. This interaction is essential in boosting one’s self image.