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Results for “Wit and Humor as Topic”

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PubMed2005

The impact of humor on patients with cancer.

Using the Stetler model, in-depth literature reviews were performed that demonstrated a positive correlation between humor and comfort levels in patients with cancer. Humor frequently was used for relaxation and as a coping mechanism that aided in promoting general wellness. The literature indicated that various types of humorous material lessened anxiety and discomfort, which allowed for patients' concerns and fears to be discussed openly. The literature also showed that humor had a positive effect on the immune system. Improvements in pain thresholds and elevations in natural killer cell activity consistently appeared in quantitative experimental studies. In addition, measurements of specific neuroendocrine and stress hormone levels revealed biochemical changes that suggested improved physical stress responses and increased feelings of well-being after humorous interventions. This article has implications for nurses because humor can be an effective intervention that impacts the health and well-being of patients with cancer.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1995

The use of a cartoon rating scale as a measure for the humor construct.

A new scale based on the rating of newspaper cartoons was administered to 129 White South Africans, after which a statistical analysis indicated high reliability for the instrument. A principal components analysis yielded seven factors, one of which appeared to relate to family relationships and the derision or misfortune of one of its members. Although there was a significant and positive link between chronological age and funniness ratings, no valid relations were found with other life measures or with scores on three other humor scales.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

The role of humor for men with testicular cancer.

In this article, the authors examine how 45 men talked about "pure" and "applied" humor in qualitative interviews about their experience of testicular cancer. Most described using applied humor in work and social settings to challenge assumptions about the disease, and in health settings to manage feelings, hide embarrassment, reduce tension, share a sense of solidarity with others, or encourage others to examine themselves. Men also described their usually positive reaction to jokes made by others; jokes helped to dispel tension and reassured men that they were being treated as normal. In a few accounts, men revealed how humor was hurtful. They were sometimes upset about jokes made by others, or by the idea of jokes being made, fearing humiliation and stigma. Humor might ease difficult interactions, but our results suggest that clinicians and others should be careful not to initiate humor without a clear lead from the patient.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2004

Humor and laughter in palliative care: an ethnographic investigation.

OBJECTIVE: Humor and laughter are present in most of human interaction. Interactions in health care settings are no exception. Palliative care practitioners know from experience that humor and laughter are common in palliative care despite the seriousness of the care context. Research establishing the significance of humor in care of the dying is limited. METHODS: Clinical ethnography conducted in a 30-bed inpatient palliative care unit served as the means of exploring the functions of humor in care of the dying. Clinical ethnography is intended for examination of the human experience of illness or of caregiving in an interpersonal context (Kleinman, 1992). The method emphasizes the subjective experience and the realm of communication and interaction for both patients and caregivers. Data were collected through participant observation, informal interviews with patients and families, and semistructured interviews with members of the health care team. RESULTS: Humor and laughter were widespread and important in the research setting. An overall attitude of good humor prevailed. Within that atmosphere, humor served myriad functions. Functions were identified in three overarching themes; building relationships, contending with circumstances, and expressing sensibility. Humor among patients, families, and staff most commonly served to build therapeutic relationships, relieve tension, and protect dignity and a sense of worth. Humor was particularly significant in maintaining collegial relationships, managing stressful situations, and maintaining a sense of perspective. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS: Findings established the significance of humor and laughter as humanizing dimensions of care of the dying and contributes to the volume of research supporting evidence-based practice.

Humans↗
PubMed2001

Memory for humorous cartoons.

Incidental memory for three types of cartoons was compared: original cartoons, literal translations of the originals, and weird cartoons created by inserting incongruous material into the literal translations. In Experiment 1, the three types of cartoons were mixed together in lists. In Experiment 2, each list contained only two cartoon types. In both experiments, original cartoons were remembered better than the literal and the weird cartoons, whereas the literal and the weird cartoons were equally well remembered. The detection of incongruities, or attempts to resolve those incongruities, cannot adequately explain the observed humor effects. The results were also inconsistent with both rehearsal and distinctiveness interpretations. Rather, humor per se appears to support good memory performance. Perhaps participants elaborated or gave sustained attention to humorous material at the expense of less humorous material.

Cartoons as Topic↗
PubMed1980

Attitudes toward drinking conveyed in studio greeting cards.

Analysis of 129 studio cards containing alcohol-related subject matter revealed themes which suggest that getting drunk is a natural and desirable concomitant of celebrations and that drunkenness is humorous, enjoyable, and harmless. It is proposed that the depiction of intoxication in these cards as pleasurable and risk-free may legitimate and reinforce tolerant attitudes toward alcohol abuse and thereby contribute to their entrenchment and pervasiveness in the face of recent public education prevention campaigns.

Alcohol Drinking↗
PubMed1993

Meeting mania.

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Congresses as Topic↗
PubMed2002

The benefits of humor in nursing education.

This study was designed to examine the perceived benefits of intentionally using humor in the nursing classroom. A multiple case study of three associate degree nursing instructors and their classes was developed with qualitative methods, which included observations, interviews, and surveys. Data were examined within and across cases for commonality or difference of experience. Strong connections were made between humor and learning. Teachers and students expressed benefits they believed were received from humor. Humor can be an effective, multipurpose teaching tool for nurse educators to convey course content, hold students' attention, relieve anxiety, establish rapport with students, and make learning fun. When combined with other teaching methods, humor can enhance student learning.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Dental doodles.

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Cartoons as Topic↗