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Bartzou E, Tsiloni E, Mantzoukas S, Dragioti E, Gouva M. Humor and Quality of Life in Adults With Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2024; 16:e55201. [PMID: 38562265 PMCID: PMC10983057 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Individuals grappling with chronic ailments often undergo a deterioration in their overall quality of life (QoL), encompassing psychological, social, and physical dimensions of well-being. Acknowledging that humor has demonstrated the potential to engender favorable effects on QoL, this systematic review endeavors to investigate the correlation between humor and QoL among adults contending with chronic health conditions. A comprehensive review of quantitative data was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Cumulative Index to Nursing & Allied Health (CINAHL) were comprehensively searched from the establishment of each database up to June 22, 2023. Furthermore, reference lists of the included datasets and pertinent review articles were scrutinized exhaustively. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was employed to assess the quality of eligible studies. A total of 18 studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. These studies encompassed a diverse spectrum of chronic disease categories (including cardiovascular diseases, various types of cancer, etc.) and collectively involved a participant cohort comprising 4,325 individuals. Remarkable findings surfaced, indicating a noteworthy association between distinct facets of humor-such as one's sense of humor, coping humor, humor styles, and laughter-and psychological QoL. Nonetheless, the relationship between humor and physical QoL exhibited a more intricate pattern, characterized by mixed outcomes. Despite the limited and inconsistent evidence across studies, humor appears to exhibit a positive association with QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Bartzou
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families & Health Professionals, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
| | - Evangelia Tsiloni
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families & Health Professionals, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
| | - Stefanos Mantzoukas
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families & Health Professionals,, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
| | - Elena Dragioti
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families & Health Professionals, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
| | - Mary Gouva
- Research Laboratory Psychology of Patients, Families & Health Professionals, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GRC
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2
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Truncellito RD, VanEpps EM. That one time when …: Reframing negative experiences with storytelling. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 54:101697. [PMID: 37897951 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/30/2023]
Abstract
Many experiences in life are physically or emotionally negative in the moment, but worthwhile after the fact, yielding such instrumental benefits as self-improvement or lessons learned. One relatively unexplored benefit of negative experiences, however, is the ability to derive humor and other storytelling benefits from the experiences later on. We review literatures on emotional (re)appraisal, affective forecasting, storytelling, and humor to discuss how individuals can apply the skill of mining comedy out of tragedy to finding the stories in their own experiences. By leveraging a storytelling mindset, such individuals may find themselves even eagerly anticipating future negative experiences because of the meaningful personal and social benefits those experiences stand to yield them in both memories to come and stories to share.
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Cassidy K, Ronis ST. Predictors of Individual and Interpersonal Adjustment Among Non-offending Partners of Individuals With Histories of Sexual Offenses. SEXUAL ABUSE : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2023:10790632231213832. [PMID: 37950804 DOI: 10.1177/10790632231213832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Recent research indicates that the consequences of sexual offenses extend beyond target victims, including to non-offending partners of individuals with sexual offense histories. However, little research has focused on non-offending partners' wellbeing and relationships with persons with sexual offense histories leading up to and following acts of sexual aggression. Non-offending partners may be secondary victims of their partners' offenses in managing psychological difficulties (e.g., guilt, shame), social stigma and isolation, fear for their safety, or difficulties in their romantic relationships resulting from their partners' sexual offenses, often with minimal supports. The current study examined key correlates of individual and interpersonal adjustment among 207 non-offending partners of individuals with histories of sexual offenses who were residing in Canada (n = 36) or the United States (n = 171). Findings indicate that positive changes due to the offense (i.e., improved finances), self-esteem, interpersonal adjustment, instrumental support, lower levels of acceptance, and humor positively predicted individual adjustment. Interpersonal adjustment was predicted by trust, intimacy, partner's stress communication, and problem-focused and emotion-focused common dyadic coping. Findings highlight the need for services for non-offending partners, including interventions that address self-esteem and practical difficulties resulting from the offense, and couples therapy to address trust issues, intimacy concerns, and shared coping with stressors related to the offense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Cassidy
- University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
| | - Scott T Ronis
- University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada
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Dionigi A, Duradoni M, Vagnoli L. Understanding the Association Between Humor and Emotional Distress: The Role of Light and Dark Humor in Predicting Depression, Anxiety, and Stress. EUROPES JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 19:358-370. [PMID: 38487314 PMCID: PMC10936143 DOI: 10.5964/ejop.10013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Despite increasing interest in the relationship between humor and psychological distress, investigations have failed to focus on specific categories of humor and negative mental conditions. A sample of 686 Italian participants (187 men and 499 women), aged between 20 and 76 years, completed an online survey, data from which was used to investigate the relationship between eight comic styles, depression, anxiety, and stress. Findings from the multiple linear regression demonstrate benign humor as a protective factor of all three variables considered, while irony was positively associated with anxiety and stress. Wit was a protective factor associated with anxiety, while sarcasm was positively related to depression. No significant correlations emerged between the other variables considered. These findings highlight how specific categories are linked to varying dimensions of emotional distress, which are discussed with reference to the extant literature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mirko Duradoni
- Department of Education, Languages, Interculture, Literatures, and Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Vagnoli
- Meyer Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Pediatric Psychology, Florence, Italy
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Kokkinos CM, Koutsospyros A. The Moderating Role of University Students' Humor Styles on the Association between General Mental Health and Subjective Well-Being. THE JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 157:473-495. [PMID: 37625138 DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2023.2244128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the associations among humor styles, general mental health (GMH), and subjective well-being (SWB) in a non-clinical sample of 662 university students (Mage = 21.35, SD = 4.14; 66.3% females) attending Greek public universities, via an online survey. In addition, it investigated possible moderating effects of humor styles in the association between GMH and SWB as well as gender differences. Positive correlations emerged between GMH and SWB, as well as among GMH, SWB, and benign humor styles. Malignant humor styles had a negative correlation with both GMH and SWB. The use of aggressive and self-defeating humor moderated the association between GMH and SWB in that at low levels of these humor styles the link between GMH and SWB was stronger. Finally, males scored higher on self-enhancing and aggressive humor than females. The findings expand previous research and are discussed in terms of their implications.
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Myhre A, Råbu M, Feragen KB. Are We Together in This? Relationship Experiences of Parents of Children with Craniofacial Anomalies. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2023:10556656231180512. [PMID: 37282504 DOI: 10.1177/10556656231180512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The birth of a child with a craniofacial anomaly (CFA) can have a profound psychological impact on the family and the parental relationship. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively investigate how a child's CFA condition affected parents' couple relationship. SETTING All patients with a CFA are followed-up by the National Unit for Craniofacial Surgery, a specialized and multidisciplinary team. Hence, participants were recruited within a centralized treatment setting. DESIGN We used a qualitative approach to explore the relationship experiences of parents of children with CFAs. The interviews were analysed using a hermeneutic-phenomenological approach. PARTICIPANTS The study included 13 parents, nine mothers and four fathers of children with a range of different CFAs. At the time of the interview, 10 participants were married, one was cohabiting, and two were divorced. RESULTS Most participants perceived their partners as committed and engaged in caring for their affected child and involved in the family's everyday life, and described a strengthened relationship to their partner after the child with a CFA was born. However, some participants struggled in their relationships with their partners, and did not receive the comfort and support they needed during this critical time, leading to feelings of distance and loneliness. CONCLUSIONS Craniofacial teams should be mindful of the importance of the environment surrounding the child, such as parental relationship and family function. Therefore, a comprehensive approach should be included in team-based care, and couples and families in need of extra support should be referred to relevant specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Myhre
- Centre of Rare Disorders, Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marit Råbu
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Billaud Feragen
- Centre of Rare Disorders, Division of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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Neophytou K, Theodorou M, Artemi TF, Theodorou C, Panayiotou G. Gambling to escape: A systematic review of the relationship between avoidant emotion regulation/coping strategies and gambling severity. JOURNAL OF CONTEXTUAL BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Popovici AF, Vaida S. Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Coping Mechanism During Covid-19 Pandemic. STUDIA UNIVERSITATIS BABEȘ-BOLYAI PSYCHOLOGIA-PAEDAGOGIA 2022. [DOI: 10.24193/subbpsyped.2022.2.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
"The current pandemic due to the COVID-19 virus has caught the entire world by surprise, on all aspects of life, from economic and work-related ones to education and online communication. Psychological health issues are not an exception to this rule, as people have been forced to either stay indoors during lockdown periods, or completely change their habits for longer periods of time. In this study, we investigated the effects of the pandemic on a sample of 241 adults, on several concepts. The study is relevant for understanding the factors that can contribute to maintaining a balance in life, especially in times of hardship. Keywords: anxiety, coping, Covid-19, depression, stress. "
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Skórka P, Grzywacz B, Moroń D, Lenda M. COVID-19 in Memes: The Adaptive Response of Societies to the Pandemic? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12969. [PMID: 36232263 PMCID: PMC9566158 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 expanded rapidly throughout the world, with enormous health, social, and economic consequences. Mental health is the most affected by extreme negative emotions and stress, but it has been an underestimated part of human life during the pandemic. We hypothesized that people may have responded to the pandemic spontaneously with increased interest in and creation of funny internet memes. Using Google and Google Trends, we revealed that the number of and interest in funny internet memes related to COVID-19 exploded during the spring 2020 lockdown. The interest in coronavirus memes was positively correlated with interest in mortality due to COVID-19 on a global scale, and positively associated with the real number of deaths and cases reported in different countries. We compared content of a random sample of 200 coronavirus memes with a random sample of 200 non-coronavirus memes found on the Internet. The sentiment analysis showed that coronavirus memes had a similar proportion of positive and negative words compared to non-coronavirus memes. However, an internet questionnaire revealed that coronavirus memes gained higher funniness scores than a random sample of non-coronavirus memes. Our results confirm that societies may have turned to humor to cope with the threat of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Skórka
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-120 Kraków, Poland
| | - Beata Grzywacz
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-016 Kraków, Poland
| | - Dawid Moroń
- Institute of Systematics and Evolution of Animals, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-016 Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Lenda
- Institute of Nature Conservation, Polish Academy of Sciences, 31-120 Kraków, Poland
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Burger C. Humor Styles, Bullying Victimization and Psychological School Adjustment: Mediation, Moderation and Person-Oriented Analyses. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:11415. [PMID: 36141686 PMCID: PMC9517355 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Humor can be both adaptive and maladaptive and plays a role in bullying victimization and school adjustment. It was hypothesized that humor styles decrease or increase victimization, which in turn affects school adjustment. Furthermore, humor might moderate effects of victimization on school adjustment. Moreover, a person-oriented approach could improve our understanding of group differences in these variables. An online questionnaire retrospectively surveyed emerging adults (N = 172; 77.2% female; mean age: 22.7 years) with respect to humor style use, bullying victimization and school adjustment. Mediation and moderation analyses were computed, and two sets of person-oriented analyses compared victims, bully-victims and noninvolved students on humor styles and school adjustment, and three latent humor-related groups (overall-high, adaptive-high and adaptive-low) on victimization and school adjustment. Victimization fully mediated the positive effect of affiliative humor and partially mediated the negative effect of self-defeating humor on school adjustment. The negative effect of victimization on school adjustment was magnified by self-defeating humor and attenuated by aggressive humor. Bully-victims used both aggressive and self-defeating humor more frequently, and victims used aggressive and affiliative humor less frequently. Furthermore, both victims and bully-victims showed lower school adjustment. Finally, the adaptive-high humor group showed lower victimization and higher school adjustment. Implications for school interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Burger
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, A-1010 Vienna, Austria; ; Tel.: +43-1-293-1532
- Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, A-1010 Vienna, Austria
- Division of Psychological Methodology, Department of Psychology and Psychodynamics, Karl Landsteiner University for Health Sciences, Dr.-Karl-Dorrek-Straße 30, A-3500 Krems, Austria
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Rosenbusch H, Evans AM, Zeelenberg M. The Relative Importance of Joke and Audience Characteristics in Eliciting Amusement. Psychol Sci 2022; 33:1386-1394. [PMID: 36001884 DOI: 10.1177/09567976221098595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The current work estimated the relative importance of joke and audience characteristics for the occurrence of amusement. Much psychological research has focused on stimulus characteristics when searching for sources of funniness. Some researchers have instead highlighted the importance of perceiver characteristics, such as dispositional cheerfulness. Across five preregistered studies (Ns = 118-54,905) with varied stimuli and perceiver samples (website visitors, students, Mechanical Turk and Prolific users), variance-decomposition analyses found that perceiver characteristics account for more variance in funniness ratings than stimulus characteristics. Thus, psychological theories focusing on between-persons differences have a relatively high potential for explaining and predicting humor appreciation (here, funniness ratings). Crucially, perceiver-by-stimulus interactions explained the largest amount of variance, highlighting the importance of fit between joke and audience characteristics when predicting amusement. Implications for humor-appreciation theories and applications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Rosenbusch
- Department of Psychological Methods, University of Amsterdam.,Appinio, Hamburg, Germany
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12
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Psychological Flexibility, Coronavirus Anxiety, Humor and Social Media Addiction During COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF COUNSELLING 2022; 44:220-242. [PMID: 35125562 PMCID: PMC8796603 DOI: 10.1007/s10447-021-09461-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Psychological flexibility is associated with psychological health and affected by various factors. The aim of the present study is to examine the role of coronavirus anxiety, humor and social media addiction on psychological flexibility during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. Variables were measured with online self-report surveys and data were gathered from December 2020 to January 2021 in Turkey. The sample consisted of 376 people (295 female, M = 29.88, SD = 11.05). The relationships between the variables were tested with path analysis using structural equation modelling (SEM). According to results, the constructed model showed that COVID-19 anxiety significantly and directly increased social media addiction (β = .17, p < .01), decreased coping humor (β = -.11, p < .05) and decreased psychological flexibility indirectly through social media addictions (β = -.08, p < .01). Humor coping significantly and directly increased psychological flexibility (β = .25, p < .01), and social media addiction significantly and directly decreased psychological flexibility (β = -.31, p < .01). Findings indicated that psychological flexibility is influenced by coronavirus anxiety, social media addiction and humor coping. Supporting humor coping and reducing anxiety and problematic social media use would be helpful to enhance psychological flexibility of individuals during the pandemic.
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Fischer F, Peifer C, Scheel T. Editorial: Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives on the Relationship Between Humor and Health: Theoretical Foundations, Empirical Evidence and Implications. Front Public Health 2021; 9:774353. [PMID: 34760867 PMCID: PMC8572968 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.774353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Fischer
- Institute of Public Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Gerontological Health Services and Nursing Research, Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences, Weingarten, Germany
| | - Corinna Peifer
- Research Group Work and Health, Department of Psychology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Tabea Scheel
- Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, International Institute of Management and Economic Education, Europa-Universität Flensburg, Flensburg, Germany
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Kuhlman KR, Straka K, Mousavi Z, Tran ML, Rodgers E. Predictors of Adolescent Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cognitive Reappraisal and Humor. J Adolesc Health 2021; 69:729-736. [PMID: 34384704 PMCID: PMC8460169 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2021.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to slow the spread of disease have particularly affected the lives of adolescents. Many studies have recently identified the risks to adolescent mental health posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, yet few have identified the markers of resilience to the events and concerns associated with the pandemic's lived experience. This study examined the moderating role of psychosocial resources in the association between the tangible and emotional experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic and symptoms of common psychiatric problems during adolescence (depression, anxiety, proactive and reactive aggression, and sleep problems). METHODS Participants were adolescents in the United States who were oversampled for early life adversity before the COVID-19 pandemic. The psychosocial resources assessed were humor styles, emotion regulation, social support, optimism, and purpose in life, which have previously been identified as protective in the acute aftermath of stressful events. RESULTS Greater COVID-19 impact was associated with more anxiety, depressive symptoms, sleep disturbance, and proactive aggression. COVID-19 impact and psychiatric symptoms were unrelated among youth reporting high self-enhancing humor and cognitive reappraisal. CONCLUSIONS Adolescents high in humor and cognitive reappraisal may be protected against the mental health correlates of the COVID-19 pandemic and other prolonged stressors. Importantly, these factors are known to be modifiable through behavioral interventions. Attention to their effectiveness in prevention and intervention studies is needed as the pandemic continues to exert its impact on individuals and society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate R. Kuhlman
- Department of Psychological Science, School of Social Ecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California,Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, School of Social Ecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California,Address correspondence to: Kate R. Kuhlman, University of California, 4201 Social & Behavioral Sciences Gateway, Irvine, CA 92697-7085
| | - Kelci Straka
- Department of Psychological Science, School of Social Ecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Zahra Mousavi
- Department of Psychological Science, School of Social Ecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Mai-Lan Tran
- Department of Psychological Science, School of Social Ecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Emma Rodgers
- Department of Psychological Science, School of Social Ecology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
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León-Pérez JM, Cantero-Sánchez FJ, Fernández-Canseco Á, León-Rubio JM. Effectiveness of a Humor-Based Training for Reducing Employees' Distress. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111177. [PMID: 34769695 PMCID: PMC8583317 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that humor can impact interpersonal relationships in organizations and employee well-being. However, there is little evidence coming from intervention studies in organizational settings. In response, we developed a training following the principles of positive psychology that aims at improving employees’ adaptive use of humor as a successful mechanism to deal with stress. In this study, we assess the effectiveness of such training and its impact on employee well-being. Results from this one-group intervention study in an emergency ambulance service (N = 58) revealed that the participants reported higher levels of cheerfulness (Z = −3.93; p < 0.001) and lower levels of seriousness (Z = −3.32; p < 0.001) after being exposed to the training. Indeed, the participants reported lower scores on psychological distress after the training (Z = −3.35; p < 0.001). The effect size of the training was medium (r = 0.31 to 0.36), suggesting that interventions to improve adaptive humor at work can be a useful resource to deal with workplace stress and foster employee well-being. These results may have interesting implications for designing and implementing positive interventions as well as for developing healthy organizations.
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Gori A, Topino E, Caretti V. The impact of COVID‐19 lockdown on perceived stress: The role of defence mechanisms and coping strategies. JOURNAL OF CONTINGENCIES AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT 2021. [PMCID: PMC8652453 DOI: 10.1111/1468-5973.12380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The COVID‐19 pandemic represents a unique global challenge. To deter its spread, several countries have put lockdown and physical distancing measures in place that could have potentially harmful consequences on people's mental health. Therefore, the aim of this study is to explore the relationship between anxiety and perceived stress in individuals who were experiencing the COVID‐19 lockdown measures, while also analyzing the impact of coping strategies interacting with defence mechanisms. A sample of 1408 individuals (Mage = 34.69; SD = 11.87) completed the Ten Item Perceived Stress Scale, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory—Form X3, Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced and Forty‐Item Defense Style Questionnaire, after providing written informed consent. Results highlighted the significant impact of state anxiety levels on perceived stress, both directly and indirectly. The indirect pathways have been explored by performing three mixed serial‐parallel mediation analyses, where significant associations between coping strategies (Social Support, Avoidance Strategies, Positive Attitude, Problem‐solving and Turning to Religion) and mature, neurotic, or immature defences have been found. These findings may contribute to orientate prevention and intervention activity during the several management phases of COVID‐19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gori
- Department of Health Sciences University of Florence Firenze Italy
| | - Eleonora Topino
- Department of Human Sciences LUMSA University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Vincenzo Caretti
- Department of Human Sciences LUMSA University of Rome Rome Italy
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17
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Pinedo R, Vicario-Molina I, González Ortega E, Palacios Picos A. Factors Related to Mental Health During the COVID-19 Lockdown in Spain. Front Psychol 2021; 12:715792. [PMID: 34504464 PMCID: PMC8422965 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.715792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 disease has forced governments to adopt exceptional measures. The lockdown decreed in Spain in 2020 required citizens to stay confined at home, which might have affected their mental health. The objective is to identify factors that influenced adults' mental health during this period. A sample of 3,508 adults from the Spanish general population completed an online survey that collected sociodemographic data and information about daily planning and activities, healthy habits, loneliness, coping humor and mental health. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling. According to the results, the proposed model showed good fit values, and latent variables explained 30% of the variance in mental health. Loneliness, coping humor, healthy habits, age and gender had a significant weight in the prediction of mental health during lockdown. Area of residence, number of days of confinement and number of people in the household were not related to mental health. This study addresses the effect of COVID-19 and social distancing measures by identifying risk and protective factors for the development of mental health difficulties. There is a need to target specific and early interventions aimed at mitigating the psychological impact of the pandemic while increasing well-being, especially in more vulnerable groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Pinedo
- Department of Psychology, University of Valladolid, Segovia, Spain
| | - Isabel Vicario-Molina
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Eva González Ortega
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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Greve W, Hauser J, Rühs F. Humorous Coping With Unrequited Love: Is Perspective Change Important? Front Psychol 2021; 12:653900. [PMID: 34248748 PMCID: PMC8267057 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.653900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A large number of studies suggest that humor is associated with mental well-being and effective as a means of coping. However, it is less well-understood which mechanisms are effective for this particular function of humor. The present study examines whether processes of change of perspective, which are often regarded as constitutive for humor, could be an effective coping-factor when facing unrequited love as a specific psychological burden. In a questionnaire study, N = 148 persons aged 18-65 years (w = 96) with actual or past experiences of unrequited love reported on their subjective burden due to this experience, their self-esteem and satisfaction with life, two scales for humor (Multidimensional Sense of Humor Scale: MSHS, and a self-constructed scale: Humorous Change of Perspective, HCOP) and a coping scale which measure change of perspective in the confrontation with goal blockages (Flexible Goal Adjustment, FGA). Results indicated that the burden of unrequited love [operationalized objectively as actuality of experience (dichotomous) or subjectively as burden experienced] and both indicators of well-being were negatively associated. Multiple regression analyses showed that humor was a significant moderator of this relationship in nearly all combinations of operationalizations of humor and indicators of well-being: Higher levels of humor are associated with better well-being even when the perceived burden was high. In addition, the study examined whether the coping effect of humor can be partly or mainly attributed to the individual's capacity to perspective change as captured by FGA. When including this scale as a covariate in the regression models, the moderation effect for MSHS did not persist; however, for HCOP the moderation effect remained unchanged: the moderator effect of humorous change of perspective proved to be independent of FGA. Taken together the results suggest that perspective-changing skills play a significant role in the coping effect of humor in dealing with psychological burdens. However, depending on which humor facet is measured, the entailed perspective change may or may not appear to go beyond what the individual's FGA can account for. This suggests that the coping effect caused by humorous change of perspective includes aspects that are also discussed for other coping resources as well as its own, humor-specific aspects. Potential avenues for future studies are discussed both with respect to the necessity for replication and extension of the present study and to the determination of other potential alleviativing effects of other facets of humor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner Greve
- Institute for Psychology, University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Johanna Hauser
- Institute for Psychology, University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Farina Rühs
- Institute for Psychology, University of Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
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Babazadeh M, Molavynejad S, Parhamnia Z, Boroun T. Interplay of occupational stress, sense of humor, and health status among nurses working at hospitals in Ahvaz. J Med Life 2021; 14:262-270. [PMID: 34104251 PMCID: PMC8169134 DOI: 10.25122/jml-2020-0032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Sense of humor constitutes a part of everyday life and work and an indispensable part of healthcare. However, the relationship between sense of humor and nursing occupational health and stress is yet to be studied in Iran. This study aimed to analyze the interplay of demographic factors, occupational stress, sense of humor, and health status of nurses working at the hospitals affiliated with the Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Iran. In this descriptive-analytical study, the statistical population consisted of 203 nurses. Occupational stress was assessed using the Iranian version of the Effort-Reward-Imbalance (ERI) Questionnaire. The Sense of Humor Questionnaire (SHQ) and the Iranian version of the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were employed to assess the sense of humor and physio-psychological health, respectively. Data collected were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. 81% (n=164) of the participants had an “external effort” (E) and “reward” (R) ratio greater than 1, indicating very high occupational stress. 39% (n=79) nurses with high occupational stress displayed their commitment to the workplace. Approximately 42% (n=85) of nurses were suffering from health problems. The mean humor score of participants was 2.90±0.41. Major life events over the past 3 months (p<0.01), weekly working hours (p<0.01), high occupational stress (p<0.01), and sense of humor (p<0.01) were determined to be significant predictors of nurses' health problems. Decision-makers are recommended to reduce nursing working hours through work shift management in order to maintain nurses' health status and reduce their occupational stress. In addition, hospital directors should promote a sense of humor in hospital environments with the help of culture-building practices, comedy books, music CDs, and training courses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahbubeh Babazadeh
- Nursing Care Research Center in Chronic Diseases, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Shahram Molavynejad
- Nursing Care Research Center in Chronic Diseases, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ziba Parhamnia
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Tahereh Boroun
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Hussein AT, Aljamili LN. COVID-19 humor in Jordanian social media: A socio-semiotic approach. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05696. [PMID: 33376817 PMCID: PMC7758524 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus has wrapped the whole universe with a mood of fear, depression, anxiety and loss of hope. It has made countries of the world, west and east, rich and poor, advanced and underdeveloped, all engaged in a common task: facing one ‘invisible’ enemy; the pandemic. The consequences are conditions that, the UN states, have not been experienced since the horrific conditions of World War II resulting into heavy toils in the number of victims. The normal course of life has now changed. The pressing demand is the adaptation to various new measures including curfews and the restrictions on mass mobility. These conditions managed to alter the long-established rhythm of daily course of life. This paper focuses on how Jordanian social media is contributing in overcoming Pandemic anxiety burdens and offering relief. For this purpose, the study undertakes a two-track task. A survey is compiled to elicit social media users' opinions concerning the effect of humor on people's well-being. Participants were given questions on humor and were also asked to give their impressions on a selection of 20 humorous figures attached as a link within the survey. 1274 participants responded. Likert's five-point scale was adapted to analyze the data. Second, the paper examined these twenty selected memes and caricatures extracted from Jordanian social media websites. The study applied Kress and Leeuween's approach of social semiotics. The objective is to identify and analyze specific semiotic patterns in COVID-19 related caricatures and memes in Jordanian social media in order to demonstrate how humor can be used as means of softening the grim mood created by the Pandemic through examining the data from a social-semiotic perspective.
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Saricali M, Satici SA, Satici B, Gocet-Tekin E, Griffiths MD. Fear of COVID-19, Mindfulness, Humor, and Hopelessness: A Multiple Mediation Analysis. Int J Ment Health Addict 2020; 20:2151-2164. [PMID: 33230394 PMCID: PMC7676415 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-020-00419-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hopelessness is an important vulnerability factor for depressive symptomology and suicidal ideations. It may also play an important role in the fear of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, the present study tested the mediating role of mindful awareness and humor (both identified as coping strategies for dealing with stressful situations) in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and hopelessness. Participants comprised 786 Turkish individuals (562 females and 224 males; aged between 18 and 67 years) from 71 of 81 cities in Turkey. An online convenience sampling method was used to recruit participants. Participants completed surveys including the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Mindful Attention Awareness Scale, and Coping Humor Scale. The model was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) and utilizing bootstrapping. The results of SEM showed that the effect of fear of COVID-19 on hopelessness was partly mediated by mindfulness and humor, and which was supported by bootstrapping. Therefore, higher fear of COVID-19 was associated with lower mindfulness and humor. In turn, lower mindfulness and humor were related with higher hopelessness. Findings are discussed in the context of COVID-19 and the hopelessness literature, and practical implications for counselors are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Saricali
- Department of Psychology, Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli University, Nevşehir, Turkey
| | - Seydi Ahmet Satici
- Department of Psychological Counselling, Artvin Coruh University, Artvin, Turkey
| | - Begum Satici
- Department of Psychological Counselling, Artvin Coruh University, Artvin, Turkey
| | - Emine Gocet-Tekin
- Department of Foreign Languages, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham, NG1 4FQ UK
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23
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Unfriendly customer behaviors and employees’ psychological capital: the role of health symptoms and positive humor events. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-01163-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Fritz HL. Coping with caregiving: Humor styles and health outcomes among parents of children with disabilities. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2020; 104:103700. [PMID: 32497974 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of children with developmental disabilities experience greater stress and worse mental and physical health outcomes than parents of typically developing children. The use of various humor styles to cope with stressors has been associated with mental and, to a lesser extent, physical health outcomes in other populations, but has not been previously examined among parents of children with disabilities. AIMS To examine relations of adaptive vs. maladaptive humor styles with depression, daily affect, mental and physical functioning, somatic symptoms, and health behaviors, and to examine whether social support or positive reappraisal mediate relations of humor with health outcomes. METHOD 80 parents of children with disabilities completed online surveys at T1. 40 parents completed T2 surveys 4 months later. RESULTS As predicted, the adaptive humor styles - self-enhancing and affiliative - were associated with enhanced mental health outcomes, and these relations were mediated by social support and, to a lesser extent, positive reappraisal. Self-defeating humor was associated with worse mental health, greater symptoms, and worse health behavior; these relations were mediated by social support. CONCLUSION Adaptive humor use may facilitate caregivers' ability to garner support from others and reframe stressors, which ultimately may contribute to mental and physical resilience to stress.
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Kuranova A, Booij SH, de Jonge P, Jeronimus B, Lin A, Wardenaar KJ, Wichers M, Wigman JTW. Don't worry, be happy: Protective factors to buffer against distress associated with psychotic experiences. Schizophr Res 2020; 223:79-86. [PMID: 32473933 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2020.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Around 6-7% of the general population report psychotic experiences (PEs). Positive PEs (e.g. hearing voices) may increase the risk of development of psychotic disorder. An important predictor of the transition to a psychotic disorder is secondary distress associated with PEs. We examined the moderating effect of potential protective factors on this secondary distress. METHODS Data come from 2870 individuals of the HowNutsAreTheDutch study. PEs were assessed with the Community Assessment of Psychic Experience (CAPE) questionnaire and were divided into three subdomains ("Bizarre experiences", "Delusional ideations", and "Perceptual anomalies"). Protective factors explored were having a partner, having a pet, benevolent types of humor, optimism and the high levels of personality traits emotional stability (reversed neuroticism), extraversion, openness to experience, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. We examined whether these protective factors moderated (lowered) the association between frequency of PEs and PE-associated distress. RESULTS Due to low prevalence of perceptual anomalies in the sample, this domain was excluded from analysis. No moderating effects were observed of protective factors on the association between bizarre experiences and distress. Having a partner and high levels of optimism, self-enhancing humor, openness, extraversion and emotional stability moderated the association between delusional ideations and secondary distress, leading to lower levels of distress. CONCLUSIONS Several protective factors were found to moderate the association between frequency and secondary distress of delusional ideations, with high levels of the protective factors being associated with lower levels of distress. A focus on protective factors could be relevant for interventions and prevention strategies regarding psychotic phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kuranova
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center Psychiatry (UCP) Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), Groningen, the Netherlands.
| | - Sanne H Booij
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center Psychiatry (UCP) Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Research and Education, Friesland Mental Health Care Services, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands; Center for Integrative Psychiatry, Lentis, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter de Jonge
- University of Groningen, Department of Developmental Psychology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bertus Jeronimus
- University of Groningen, Department of Developmental Psychology, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ashleigh Lin
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Australia
| | - Klaas J Wardenaar
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center Psychiatry (UCP) Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke Wichers
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center Psychiatry (UCP) Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Johanna T W Wigman
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University Center Psychiatry (UCP) Interdisciplinary Center Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Research and Education, Friesland Mental Health Care Services, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
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26
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Gonot-Schoupinsky FN, Garip G, Sheffield D. Laughter and humour for personal development: A systematic scoping review of the evidence. Eur J Integr Med 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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27
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Deckman KA, Skolnick AJ. Targeting humor to cope with an unpleasant emotion: Disgust. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-00798-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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28
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Fritz HL. Why are humor styles associated with well-being, and does social competence matter? Examining relations to psychological and physical well-being, reappraisal, and social support. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2019.109641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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29
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Do humor styles predict clinical response to the MINDSET (MINDfulneSs & EducaTion) program? A pilot study in patients with fibromyalgia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 17:137-140. [PMID: 31822445 DOI: 10.1016/j.reuma.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Humor has been described as an effective coping strategy for dealing with chronic pain conditions; likewise, coping strategies predict some clinical outcomes after cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based interventions. The present study aims to preliminarily explore the role of humor styles in predicting clinical changes after the multicomponent intervention (MINDSET) that combines mindfulness and psychoeducation for fibromyalgia (FM) patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS A subsample of 35 patients with FM of the EUDAIMON study, a randomized controlled trial, was used for the present study; linear regressions and Spearman's correlations were computed. RESULTS Affiliative humor and positive/negative ratio humor styles had a unique predictive effect on self-reported clinical changes. Significant correlations between humor styles with functional impact and mindfulness facets were observed. CONCLUSIONS Some humor styles may imply a better disposition in patients to learn and implement the concepts and resources that the intervention offered.
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Fritz HL, Gallagher BP. Three dimensions of desirability of control: divergent relations with psychological and physical well-being. Psychol Health 2019; 35:210-238. [PMID: 31321993 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2019.1638512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Objective: To examine unique relations of three distinct dimensions of desirability of control with psychological and physical well-being and coping. Design: Study 1 (n = 122) surveyed undergraduates' response to everyday stressors, and Study 2 (n = 105) examined undergraduates' adjustment to the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks at 1 and 3 months post-attack. Main outcome measures included psychological distress, perceived stress, rumination, health behaviors, alcohol use and active vs. avoidant coping. Study 1 Results: Self- and other-control were associated with active coping, whereas relinquishing control was linked with avoidant coping. Only relinquishing control was uniquely linked with outcomes, including worse psychological and physical well-being and alcohol use; avoidant coping mediated relations to psychological well-being. Study 2 Results: Again, self-control was associated with active coping whereas relinquishing control was linked with avoidant coping. Self-control was associated with enhanced psychological well-being at T1 and increases in well-being over time; by contrast, relinquishing control was associated with worse T1 psychological well-being, which was mediated by avoidant coping. Conclusion: This is the first study to examine the unique contribution of each DOC dimension with outcomes. Self-control and relinquishing control showed divergent relations to psychological well-being, mediated by different coping pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi L Fritz
- Department of Psychology, Salisbury University, Salisbury, MD, USA
| | - Brendan P Gallagher
- Department of Psychology, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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31
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Subversive humor against sexism: Conceptualization and first evidence on its empirical nature. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-019-00331-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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32
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Tagalidou N, Baier J, Laireiter AR. The effects of three positive psychology interventions using online diaries: A randomized-placebo controlled trial. Internet Interv 2019; 17:100242. [PMID: 30923680 PMCID: PMC6423485 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2019.100242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Three positive psychology interventions (coping humor, three funny things, three good things) were compared with a placebo control condition (early memories) in a randomized placebo-controlled online trial. A total of 182 healthy participants participated in a one week web-based diary study and completed evaluation measures at pre, post, and one month follow-up. They were recruited via e-mail and have been primarily students. Primary outcomes have been happiness and depressive symptoms, secondary outcomes coping humor, cheerfulness (and its subscales), and subjective perceived change. The intention-to-treat analysis (ITT) using linear mixed models could not replicate the positive effects of past research. When compared to the control condition, only the coping humor intervention influenced primary outcomes (r = 0.24-0.29). Three funny things and three good things had no effects at all. Secondary outcomes showed only isolated effects, so that no uniform effect pattern was found for the interventions. Reasons for the small effects, such as motivation and psychosocial status of the participants, as well as recommendations for future studies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nektaria Tagalidou
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria,Corresponding author.
| | - Jessica Baier
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Anton-Rupert Laireiter
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Hellbrunner Straße 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria,Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1010 Vienna, Austria
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Perchtold CM, Weiss EM, Rominger C, Feyaerts K, Ruch W, Fink A, Papousek I. Humorous cognitive reappraisal: More benign humour and less "dark" humour is affiliated with more adaptive cognitive reappraisal strategies. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211618. [PMID: 30703148 PMCID: PMC6355006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The capacity to find humorous perspectives in aversive situations may outline a helpful strategy in the context of cognitive reappraisal. Yet, research suggested that some people produce more adaptive humour than others. At the same time, not all forms of cognitive reinterpretation seem to be unequivocally beneficial. The present study aimed to investigate specific cognitive reappraisal strategies that individuals employ in humorous reappraisal of adverse events. In a sample of 95 participants, the use of cognitive reappraisal sub-strategies was assessed in a behavioural test in which participants were required to generate a series of humorous reappraisals of self-relevant, threatening events. These reappraisal sub-strategies (three positive reinterpretation strategies, three de-emphasising strategies) were then related to the habitual use of different kinds of humour as well as the broader DSM-5 personality trait domains and well-being in terms of depressive experiences, assessed by self-report questionnaires. While no robust relationships were found for reappraisal strategies based on de-emphasising, sub-strategies within the positive reinterpretation category showed specific and contrasting associations with the examined traits. Findings indicated that the ability to produce humour is only linked to a favourable pattern of reappraisal strategies when manifested in benign forms of humour. Specific relations also emerged for the broader personality traits. The study suggests that some characteristics that advance the use of benign humour also benefit adaptive emotion regulation. The opposite seems to be true for malicious, or "dark" humour. The introduced behavioural approach to the analysis of humorous cognitive reappraisal may prove useful also in future related research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kurt Feyaerts
- Department of Linguistics, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Willibald Ruch
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Fink
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ilona Papousek
- Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- * E-mail:
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Pérez-Aranda A, Hofmann J, Feliu-Soler A, Ramírez-Maestre C, Andrés-Rodríguez L, Ruch W, Luciano JV. Laughing away the pain: A narrative review of humour, sense of humour and pain. Eur J Pain 2018; 23:220-233. [PMID: 30176100 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.1309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The link between humour and sense of humour with pain has been a topic of research for decades. The purpose of the present article was to review the different studies that have been conducted to date on the association between humour and sense of humour with pain. DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT The literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Science Direct and ProQuest databases. Forty-one studies were reviewed, and the results are summarized and structured into three sections: experimental pain, chronic pain and pain in children. RESULTS For experimental pain, the findings support the idea that humorous distractions, such as watching a comedy clip, increase pain tolerance, although most of the studies indicate that other non-humorous distractions produce similar effects. Regarding chronic pain, humour has been studied as a way of coping with pain and the emotional distress produced by chronic pain conditions. The results of correlational studies show significant associations between the use of humour and main variables such as anxiety and catastrophizing. Finally, concerning pain in children, similar findings to those described for the previous sections have been reported, with a notable presence of studies on clinic clown interventions, which promote emotional well-being among children and their parents, although their effectiveness in pain reduction is controversial. CONCLUSIONS The study of the link between humour and pain is still on an early stage, and overcoming the limitations of previous studies is required to strengthen the promising results that have been observed up to date. SIGNIFICANCE This review summarizes all main findings regarding humour, sense of humour and pain up until the first half of 2018 and offers a list of aspects to be considered in further studies regarding the link of humour and pain to contribute to a more systematic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Pérez-Aranda
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain.,Teaching Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, St. Boi de Llobregat, Spain.,Primary Care Prevention and Health Promotion Research Network, RedIAPP, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jennifer Hofmann
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Personality and Assessment, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Albert Feliu-Soler
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain.,Teaching Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, St. Boi de Llobregat, Spain.,Primary Care Prevention and Health Promotion Research Network, RedIAPP, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Ramírez-Maestre
- Department of Personality, Evaluation and Psychological Treatment, University of Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Laura Andrés-Rodríguez
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain.,Teaching Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, St. Boi de Llobregat, Spain.,Primary Care Prevention and Health Promotion Research Network, RedIAPP, Madrid, Spain
| | - Willibald Ruch
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Personality and Assessment, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Juan V Luciano
- Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain.,Teaching Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, St. Boi de Llobregat, Spain.,Primary Care Prevention and Health Promotion Research Network, RedIAPP, Madrid, Spain
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Mak W, Sörensen S. Are Humor Styles of People With Dementia Linked to Greater Purpose in Life? THE GERONTOLOGIST 2018; 58:835-842. [PMID: 29385452 PMCID: PMC6137350 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnx207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Little is known about humor and purpose in life in people with dementia. Although having a sense of humor is typically associated with positive psychological outcomes, recent evidence suggests that outcomes may vary depending on whether the humor being used is adaptive versus maladaptive. The goal of this study was to determine whether humor styles are predictive of purpose in life in people with dementia. Methods Questionnaires were verbally administered to people with mild-to-moderate dementia to measure humor styles and purpose in life. Results Adaptive humor styles were associated with purpose in life whereas maladaptive humor styles were not. Discussion Having a sense of humor in dementia may be associated with a stronger sense of purpose in life, but it depends on the type of humor used. Results are discussed in the context of understanding the role of humor in the daily lives of people with dementia and implications for care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wingyun Mak
- Department of Psychology, Lehman College, Bronx, New York
| | - Silvia Sörensen
- Warner School of Education, University of Rochester, Rochester, New York
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Yaprak P, Güçlü M, Ayyildiz Durhan T. The Happiness, Hardiness, and Humor Styles of Students with a Bachelor's Degree in Sport Sciences. Behav Sci (Basel) 2018; 8:bs8090082. [PMID: 30213038 PMCID: PMC6162469 DOI: 10.3390/bs8090082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Happiness, psychological hardiness, and humor (“the 3Hs”) are useful ways of assessing resilience to stress in positive psychology. The literature analyzing their confluence regarding sports is scarce. This study aims to analyze the participants’ 3H levels and the relationships between those levels and specific variables. The Psychological Hardiness Scale (Psikolojik Dayaniklilik Olcegi, PDO), the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire Short Form (OHQ-SF), and the Humor Styles Questionnaire (HSQ) were used. Students in pedagogical formation training during the 2016–2017 fall semester have participated in the study (N = 211). Significant differences were found regarding the levels of psychological hardiness in relation to gender, type of sport, and years of participation, and, in humor types regarding the variables of gender, age, residence and perceived income. There were significant differences in all instruments regarding gender. Negative relationships were found between the “aggressive humor” and “challenge” and “self-commitment” sub-dimensions of PDO, while the relationships were positive between “self-enhancing humor” and PDO and OHQ-SF, and between “affiliative humor” style and PDO and OHQ-SF. This study enhances the positive socio-psychological account in the literature by incorporating the issues of 3H and provides an understanding of particularities that may help improve the practice of relevant experts and individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pınar Yaprak
- Department of Recreation, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara 06330, Turkey.
| | - Mehmet Güçlü
- Department of Recreation, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Gazi University, Ankara 06330, Turkey.
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