Healing hearts: laughter and learning.

Melany Cueva; Regina Kuhnley; Anne Lanier; Mark Dignan

doi:10.1207/s15430154jce2102_14

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PubMed · 17020524

Healing hearts: laughter and learning.

Melany Cueva·Regina Kuhnley·Anne Lanier·Mark Dignan

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Cultural values of Alaska Native people acknowledge laughter as good medicine. It is heard in their words and stories. METHODS: To investigate how and in what ways laughter impacts learning from the learners' perspective, cancer education course evaluations were reviewed and a survey administered. RESULTS: 94% (235/259) of Community Health Aides and Community Health Practitioners surveyed emphasized the importance of laughter to support adult learning. Written comments are grouped into three main themes: (1) supporting a comfortable learning community, (2) relieving stress, and (3) enhancing learning. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates the value and significance of laughter to support people in their learning journey.

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Alaska Data Collection Female Health Services, Indigenous Humans Inuit Laughter Learning Male Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical Neoplasms Patient Education as Topic Wit and Humor as Topic Evaluation Study Journal Article Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

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Melany Cueva, Regina Kuhnley, Anne Lanier, Mark Dignan. 2006. Healing hearts: laughter and learning.. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15430154jce2102_14

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