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Lin SSH, Walden A. Ageism in Birthday Cards: A Mixed-Method Content Analysis. Gerontologist 2024; 64:gnad115. [PMID: 37675965 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnad115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Ageism is oftentimes sugarcoated within humor. Paper birthday cards are 1 delivery approach in which ageist messages are perpetuated and reinforced through humor. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A convenience sample of birthday cards (k = 227), all indicating a decade of age, were acquired from 7 national retail stores in Colorado Springs, CO. The decades sampled ranged from 21 to 100. With a predeveloped codebook, 3 raters coded the decade birthday cards on various variables, including age group, ageist tone, and humor. RESULTS Birthday cards intended for age 30-60 contained significantly more ageist messages compared to cards intended for age 21 and age 70-100, which did not show a significant difference from each other. Additionally, birthday cards with humor showed more ageist messages than cards without humor. Characteristics of decade birthday cards were also explored. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Consumers need to learn to evaluate these ageist messages in birthday cards to reduce the perpetuation of damaging stereotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayne S-H Lin
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
- Alabama Research Institute on Aging, Alabama Life Research Institute, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Allison Walden
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Colorado-Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA
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2
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El-Sayed MM, AbdElhay ES, Hawash MM, Taha SM. The power of laughter: a study on humor and creativity in undergraduate nursing education in Egypt. BMC Nurs 2024; 23:259. [PMID: 38649907 PMCID: PMC11034109 DOI: 10.1186/s12912-024-01913-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Creativity in nursing education is crucial for developing practical problem-solving skills, and humor is a valuable tool for stress management and fostering a positive learning environment. This study explored the relationship between creativity and humor among nursing students. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 265 convenient undergraduate nursing students aged 20 to 25. The Short Scale of Creative Self (SSCS) and the Multidimensional Sense of Humor Scale (MSHS) were used to measure creativity and various aspects of humor. RESULTS Showed a significant positive correlation between humor and creativity (r = 0.238, p < 0.001). Positive correlations were found between Humor Production, Coping or Adaptive Humor, and Appreciation of Humor with creativity (r = 0.254, 0.230, and 0.461, p < 0.001, respectively). In contrast, Attitudes Toward Humor and Humorous People were negatively correlated with creativity (r=-0.343, p < 0.05). Humor accounted for 16.2% of the variance in creativity. CONCLUSION The study concluded a strong link between humor and creativity, with positive correlations observed between creative self-efficacy and creative personal identity with different aspects of humor. The study recommends the incorporation of humor into nursing education and healthcare settings to encourage creative problem-solving and reduce burnout among students and staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Metwally El-Sayed
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, College of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Eman Sameh AbdElhay
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, College of Nursing, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Manal Mohammed Hawash
- Gerontological Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Samah Mohamed Taha
- Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, College of Nursing, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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3
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Mention B, Pourre F, Andanson J. Humor in autism spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Encephale 2024; 50:200-210. [PMID: 38176977 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Humor is essential to social relationships. Its use and understanding appear to be impaired in people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The main objective was to review the existing literature on the detection, understanding and use of humor in persons with ASD. The secondary objective involved exploring assessment scales and specific intervention tools. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was carried out on all available French and English scientific papers about humor - including irony - in persons with ASD up to November 2021. We extracted 552 references and included 43 articles from six databases. RESULTS Studies suggest that those with ASD can detect audiovisual and written humor. Understanding humor was impaired in writing and when using pure auditory stimuli and non-verbal cartoons. For irony, the results indicated a lower detection of quality and less understanding in speaking but not in writing. Regarding its use, in terms of expression, people with ASD use benevolent humor less often and do not consider humor as a key source of satisfaction with life, as opposed to the control group. CONCLUSIONS It appears that it would be worthwhile to develop standardized humor detection and assessment tools specific to persons with ASD. Practical strategies that focus on humor ability could be worth developing, either individually or in groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Mention
- Service universitaire de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, CHU de Toulouse, place du Docteur Baylac, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France.
| | - Frederic Pourre
- Service universitaire de psychiatrie de l'enfant et de l'adolescent, CHU de Toulouse, place du Docteur Baylac, TSA 40031, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France
| | - Julie Andanson
- CERPOP, Inserm, UPS, University of Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France
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4
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Cristini C, Colautti L, Vedova AD, Antonietti A. Creativity and humor in the elderly: Shared mechanisms and common functions to promote well-being. Neurosci Lett 2024; 828:137762. [PMID: 38574850 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
In the paper the possible links between creative thinking and humor are sketched and their role in promoting well-being in the elderly is taken into account. The specific features of creative thinking in older people and its developmental trend in aging are outlined. The changes in humor which occur during aging are considered as well. The connections between creative thinking and humor are analysed, by highlighting the cognitive mechanisms which are shared and the alleged common neural underpinnings. The functions which creativity and humor can play to promote well-being in late adulthood are discussed. These functions refer to the way older people can interpret their own experience, interact and communicate with others, and face daily problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Cristini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Colautti
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Della Vedova
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Antonietti
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Gemelli 1, 20123 Milan, Italy.
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5
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Yip JA, Lee KK. Comedy, consensus, and conflict framework: Comedy as a norm violation can build consensus or escalate conflict in negotiations. Curr Opin Psychol 2024; 57:101814. [PMID: 38626690 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
In this work, we propose that humor violates norms that can build consensus or escalate conflict in negotiations. Drawing on social identity theory, we propose that humor commits norm violations that are more likely to be perceived as benign among ingroup observers in negotiations, but perceived as offensive to outgroup observers in negotiations. We introduce the Comedy, Consensus, and Conflict Framework to shed light on the interpersonal effect of humor on negotiations. When humor is expressed to an ingroup observer, relative to neutral communication, humor is more likely to violate weak norms that govern social group membership resulting in the violation as being perceived as benign, which promotes cooperative behaviors in negotiations such as concessions and collaborative problem-solving. By contrast, when humor is expressed to an outgroup observer, relative to neutral communication, humor is more likely to violate strong norms that define social group membership resulting in the violation as being interpreted as offensive, which triggers competitive behaviors in negotiations such as aggressive offers and hardened positions. Furthermore, we suggest that humor not only generates appraisals of social identity threats, but also affective responses that influence negotiation behavior. Finally, we expand our theoretical model about humor to consider key relational factors that influence norm strength, which motivates whether negotiators appraise norm violations as offensive or benign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy A Yip
- Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business, USA.
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6
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Adamczyk P, Biczak J, Kotlarska K, Daren A, Cichocki Ł. On the specificity of figurative language comprehension impairment in schizophrenia and its relation to cognitive skills but not psychopathological symptoms - Study on metaphor, humor and irony. Schizophr Res Cogn 2024; 35:100294. [PMID: 37928747 PMCID: PMC10624582 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2023.100294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
People with schizophrenia have difficulty understanding figurative expressions, such as metaphors, humor or irony. The present study investigated the specificity of figurative language impairment in schizophrenia and its relation with cognitive and psychotic symptoms. It included 54 schizophrenia and 54 age and sex-matched healthy subjects who performed a cognitive screening (ACE-III) and figurative language comprehension task consisting of 60 short stories with three types of endings: a figurative one and its literal and an absurd (meaningless) counterparts. Each figurative domain - metaphor, humor, irony - was split into two sub-domains, i.e., conventional and novel metaphors, intended-to-be-funny and social-norm-violation jokes, simple irony and critical sarcasm, respectively. The main findings are: i) in schizophrenia, figurative language deficit manifests itself in each domain; ii) the most pronounced subdomain-specific impairment has been found for novel vs conventional metaphors and irony vs sarcasm; iii) altered figurative language comprehension was related to diminished cognitive abilities but not to psychopathology symptoms (PANSS) or other clinical characteristics. This may suggest that figurative language impairment, as a specific part of communication deficit, may be regarded as an essential characteristic of schizophrenia, related to primary cognitive deficits but independent of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Artur Daren
- Faculty of Psychology, Pedagogy, and Humanities, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Łukasz Cichocki
- Babinski Clinical Hospital, Krakow, Poland
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Andrzej Frycz Modrzewski Krakow University, Krakow, Poland
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7
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Chang CY, Chan YC, Chen HC. The differential processing of verbal jokes by neural substrates in indigenous and Han Chinese populations: An fMRI study. Behav Brain Res 2024; 457:114702. [PMID: 37813282 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Limited research has been conducted on humor among the Taiwanese indigenous (IND) population. This study attempted to identify the differential neural correlates of humor comprehension and appreciation between IND and Han Chinese (HAN) populations. Each participant was presented with jokes and non-jokes. IND participants when encountered with jokes displayed a greater activation of the mesolimbic dopaminergic reward system, including the amygdala, midbrain, and nucleus accumbens than HAN participants. This suggests a more pleasurable response and appreciation of humor. The IND group also displayed greater activation in the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ) than HAN, suggesting that the IND group may experience a greater sense of novelty and be more involved in social understanding, thus exhibiting greater humor appreciation. In terms of humor comprehension, both IND and HAN showed greater activation in the superior temporal gyrus (STG) and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC). IND exhibited greater activation in the anterior STG (aSTG), while HAN showed greater activation in the posterior STG (pSTG). This suggests that the IND tends to integrate emotional messages, whereas the HAN focuses on comprehending semantic cognitive information. Interestingly, HAN did not show any greater activation than IND in terms of appreciation of humor. These group disparities have substantial implications for advancing our knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying humor comprehension and appreciation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Yueh Chang
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 10610, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chen Chan
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu 300043, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Chih Chen
- Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 10610, Taiwan; Institute for Research Excellence in Learning Sciences, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 10610, Taiwan; Chinese Language and Technology Center, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 10610, Taiwan; Social Emotional Education and Development Center, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei 10610, Taiwan.
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8
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O'Neill OA, Jazaieri H. Emotional culture and humor in organizations: A social-functional approach. Curr Opin Psychol 2024; 55:101720. [PMID: 37992592 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Adopting a social-functionalist theoretical lens, this review examines emotional culture and its relation to discrete emotions such as joviality and humor-supportive or "joking" organizational cultures. We propose four primary pathways through which humor influences emotional culture in organizations and social units: (1) creating and defining emotional culture through "bottom-up" affective mechanisms, (2) a "top-down" normative function that promotes or inhibits humor through cultural values, norms, and traditions of organizational life, (3) a maintenance function, whereby humor corrects emotional culture norm violations, and (4) a link to positive work outcomes via a reciprocal feedback loop. We also describe negative consequences of humor for emotional culture, highlight unanswered questions in the literature, and suggest future research opportunities, including a comprehensive new framework.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hooria Jazaieri
- Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University, United States
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9
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Bitterly TB. Unpredictable volatility and trust: The VISA model of person perception. Curr Opin Psychol 2024; 55:101718. [PMID: 38000093 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
By accounting for perceptions of volatility and predictability of key character dimensions (e.g., the predictable volatility of sociability), I advance our understanding of person perception and interpersonal relationships. I incorporate volatility into person perception theory by introducing the volatility, integrity, sociability, and ability (VISA) model. I illustrate the importance of unpredictable volatility and the VISA model by analyzing the use of humor, and I propose three moderators of the effects of humor on trust: content, context, and intent. In doing so, I develop a foundation for future person perception research and bridge the impression formation (warmth and competence), trust (ability, benevolence, and integrity), and status (competence, generosity, and commitment) literature.
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10
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Yam KC, Min Ye Y. Humor and morality in organizations. Curr Opin Psychol 2024; 57:101799. [PMID: 38330867 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2024.101799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Successful leaders often use humor to motivate, inspire, and lead. Yet, recent research suggests that the use of humor is risky for leaders. Our review suggests that humor must be morally offensive to some people for it to be perceived as funny. This inherent tension between humor and morality implies that the use of humor can sometimes act as a signal of acceptable moral standards in organizations, where a leader's use of humor carries significant risks because of the norm-violating message it sends to subordinates, or it can even be dangerous in extreme cases. We conclude the paper by offering future research directions on the study of workplace humor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chi Yam
- National University of Singapore, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, 119077, Singapore.
| | - Yamon Min Ye
- National University of Singapore, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, 119077, Singapore
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11
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Aggarwal P, Mathur S, Chopra R. Assessment of Medical Clowning in Influencing the Anxiety and Behavior Scores of Children Undergoing Various Dental Treatments and the Stress Levels of the Operator. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024; 17:59-66. [PMID: 38559870 PMCID: PMC10978511 DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10005-2758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim To investigate the potential effectiveness of "medical clowns" on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative anxiety of children undergoing various dental treatments and also its effect on the operator's stress levels in a dental setup. Materials and methods A total of 170 pediatric patients, aged 4-8 years, indicated for preventive therapy, extractions, restorative, and endodontics were included and divided into two groups [group I-audiovisual (A-V) aids; group II-medical clowns], group of 85 patients each after recording Modified yale preoperative scale. Both pre- and postoperatively, Frankl's behavior score was recorded for each patient. During treatment, the face, legs, activity, cry, consolability (FLACC) pain scale, and dental operator's stress level were recorded. Results Intervention of medical clowns positively influenced children during dental treatment by increasing their pain threshold. The majority of children showed positive Frankl rating scales after dental treatment. Also, the operator's stress was significantly reduced, which led to enhanced treatment outcomes. Conclusion Humor yields the power of healing, distracts pediatric patients, reduces their anxiety, and alleviates their pain, conferring the patients with a sense of laughter, creativity, and care.Therefore, medical clowns in pediatric dentistry can prove to be serviceable and valuable as a nonpharmacological approach to behavior management. How to cite this article Aggarwal P, Mathur S, Chopra R. Assessment of Medical Clowning in Influencing the Anxiety and Behavior Scores of Children Undergoing Various Dental Treatments and the Stress Levels of the Operator. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(1):59-66.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Aggarwal
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, ITS Dental College Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Shivani Mathur
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, ITS Dental College Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Radhika Chopra
- Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, ITS Dental College Muradnagar, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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13
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Evans JB. Gender and humor. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 54:101719. [PMID: 37972525 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews the literature on gender and humor, including differences in humor production and outcomes. Differences in the quantity and type of humor generally correspond with gender stereotypes, and these stereotypes significantly moderate the outcomes of humor use. Regarding humor production, consistent with cultural expectations, men tend to use all types of humor styles more than women, with a greater tendency towards aggressive humor. Regarding humor outcomes, rewards and punishments are not universally given to one gender. Rewards are more likely to be given to those who adhere to stereotypes or subvert expectations in a positive manner, whereas humor that violates expectations in a negative manner is punished.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan B Evans
- University of British Columbia, 665 - 2053 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2, Canada.
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14
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Atkinson P. The ten commandments of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). CAN J EMERG MED 2023; 25:992. [PMID: 37973716 DOI: 10.1007/s43678-023-00615-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Atkinson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada.
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15
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Do SF, Warren C. Is laughter the best marketing? Why this is the wrong question. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 54:101694. [PMID: 37837956 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Humor is often described as a miracle pill for marketers, yet the effects of humor on advertising, content marketing, service, and other marketing functions are wildly inconsistent. Before scholars can know whether a pun, prank, meme, or laugh will attract sales, clicks, or five-star reviews, they need to understand why the effects of humor appear to vary. Humor has different effects because scholars have treated humor as different constructs while studying how it influences different marketing outcomes with different types of stimuli in different of situations on different types of people. Only by recognizing these differences can scholars begin to understand when, why, and how humor can benefit marketers. To navigate this complexity, researchers need to develop a theory of humor that can help explain how different attempts to be humorous influence different consumers in different situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydni Fomas Do
- Eller College of Management, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Caleb Warren
- Eller College of Management, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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16
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Robert C. Humor and job satisfaction. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 54:101721. [PMID: 37972524 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
A correlation between positive humor and job satisfaction was established in an earlier meta-analysis (Mesmer-Magnus et al., 2012) [1] and appears to be replicated in more recent work. However, the relationship between humor and job satisfaction is more complex and nuanced than the straightforward contention that positive humor = good/negative humor = bad would imply. To expand on this idea, I review recent literature bearing on the relationship between humor and job satisfaction, including a) a broader set of criterion variables; b) relationships with negative forms of humor (e.g., aggressive); c) evidence for mediating and moderating processes in the humor-job satisfaction relationship; and d) issues related to causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Robert
- Trulaske College of Business, University of Missouri, 510 Cornell Hall, Columbia, MO 65211, USA.
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17
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Kong DT. Humor research in management: Humor as Social Information (HASI). Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 54:101692. [PMID: 37788522 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Humor research is flourishing in Management. Diverse theories have been adopted and diverse factors have been used in research. Nonetheless, these disconnected efforts pose challenges to the development of a coherent body of knowledge on humor in organizational life. I propose the Humor-as-Social-Information (HASI) framework regarding the social effects of humor, and use it to guide my review on recent humor research in Management. Humor evokes affective and inferential processes leading to perceivers' cognitions and behaviors, and these processes are moderated by two sets of factors, including (1) information-processing motivation/ability and (2) humor inappropriateness. The proposed HASI framework highlights how humor exerts social influence within organizations, and paves new avenues for future research that will help further develop "humor science."
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Affiliation(s)
- Dejun Tony Kong
- Leeds School of Business, University of Colorado Boulder, USA.
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18
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Cooper CD, Hiller N. Leader humor across levels. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 53:101688. [PMID: 37708609 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Leaders use humor. This humor has real effects and has been a topic of scholarly interest. We review and interpret this literature though the lens of leader hierarchical level (front-line managers versus senior executives), enumerating intriguing research possibilities and practical implications. We know much more about the humor of front-line leaders than executives, and much more about benefits than risks of leader humor. Not only are the risks and benefits likely to be amplified for executives, but they are qualitatively different due to the differential reach of executive leadership. In terms of enacting humor, the more diverse set of observers and stakeholders for executive leaders versus front-line managers creates additional challenges and a narrower window for successful use of humor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nathan Hiller
- Department of Global Leadership and Management, Florida International University, United States
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Lu JG. Cultural differences in humor: A systematic review and critique. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 53:101690. [PMID: 37757489 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Humor is universal but also culturally nuanced. This review (including 31 empirical articles in English) systematically examines cultural differences in humor perception and use. Most notably, North Americans tend to perceive humor more positively, rate themselves as more humorous, and use humor more than East Asians. Moreover, this review highlights complex cultural differences in the use of four humor styles (affiliative, self-enhancing, aggressive, and self-defeating). Finally, I discuss limitations of the cross-cultural literature on humor and propose future research directions. Theoretically, more studies should move beyond comparing East Asian and North American cultures, examine the consequences of cultural differences in humor, and track changes in humor perception and use over time. Methodologically, more studies should employ experiments to strengthen causality, recruit larger and more representative samples, and preregister theory-driven hypotheses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jackson G Lu
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, United States.
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20
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Skurka C, Lee Cunningham JJ. Seeing the funny side: Humor in pro-environmental communication. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 53:101668. [PMID: 37572549 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Our review, drawing from various fields such as communication, psychology, marketing, and environmental studies, delves into the potential for humor in pro-environmental messaging to mobilize social change. The review examines different forms of humor, including satire, stand-up comedy, and scripted entertainment programming, and their impact on audience responses. We also highlight the possible drawbacks of using humor and factors that moderate its effects. Overall, the evidence paints a mixed picture whereby pro-environmental humor is largely successful in influencing proximal cognitive outcomes (attention, perceptions) but has more limited influence on distal outcomes (behavior) with the greatest benefits seen among low-interest groups. The need for more diverse samples and robust experimental designs is emphasized to fully comprehend the efficacy of humor in effecting environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris Skurka
- Pennsylvania State University, Department of Media Studies, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, Penn State University, 222 Carnegie, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | - Julia J Lee Cunningham
- University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business, Management & Organizations, University of Michigan, 701 Tappen Avenue, R5312, AnnArbor, MI, 48104, USA
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Ali BHI, Bardaie NI. Utilization of humor and application of learning theory: Perspective of nursing students. Nurse Educ Today 2023; 126:105837. [PMID: 37201328 DOI: 10.1016/j.nedt.2023.105837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Humor is one of the teaching strategies that is least utilized by the Nursing teaching faculty that involve the students in active learning with fun and fruitful learning. There are different ways of utilization of humor in the classroom like jokes, cartoons, amusing stories, comedy, and the use of animated pictures. OBJECTIVE To explore the perceptions of nursing students regarding the use of humor as a teaching strategy in the classroom. And, to what extent the cognitive and affective theories are related to the humor strategy. STUDY DESIGN Qualitative explorative design. SETTING OF THE STUDY The study was conducted in a private college of nursing in Islamabad, Pakistan. PARTICIPANTS OF THE STUDY The participants of the study were students of Bachelor of Science nursing. METHODOLOGY Through purposive sampling, eight participants were interviewed until the data saturation. Each interview was of 20 to 35 min duration. Conventional content analysis was used for data analysis. RESULT The four main categories that emerged from this study include: Experiences of different types of humor, Cognitive impacts of humorous activities, Affective impact of humorous activities, and suggestions for faculty to use Humor as a Strategy. CONCLUSION It is clear that the usage of humor as a teaching strategy enhances the cognitive and affective level of complexity that enables students to be more relaxed, developed interest, and paid more attention in class to create a positive atmosphere.
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Rydenfelt H. Controversial views and moral realism. Theor Med Bioeth 2023; 44:165-176. [PMID: 36867309 PMCID: PMC10030398 DOI: 10.1007/s11017-023-09616-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
It is argued that the emergence of controversial views in discussions of theoretical medicine and bioethics is best explained by the assumption of moral realism within those discursive practices. Neither of the main alternatives of realism in contemporary meta-ethics - moral expressivism and anti-realism - can account for the rise of controversies in the bioethical debate. This argument draws from the contemporary expressivist or anti-representationalist pragmatism as advanced by Richard Rorty and Huw Price, as well as the pragmatist scientific realism and fallibilism of the founder of pragmatism, Charles S. Peirce. In accordance with the fallibilist view, it is proposed that presenting controversial positions may serve epistemic purposes within bioethical debates, providing opportunities for inquiry by pointing towards problems to be solved and arguments and evidence for and against to be put forward.
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Garcia JT, DuBose L, Arunachalam P, Hairrell AS, Milman RM, Carpenter RO. The Effects of Humor in Clinical Settings on Medical Trainees and the Implications for Medical Educators: A Scoping Review. Med Sci Educ 2023; 33:611-622. [PMID: 37261025 PMCID: PMC10226925 DOI: 10.1007/s40670-023-01769-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Clinical settings represent the site of patient care and clinical training for medical students and residents. Both processes involve social interaction, and humor is a fundamental component of social interaction that remains underexplored in medical education. This study investigated the impact of humor on medical trainees in the context of the clinical learning environment and examined the implications for medical educators. Methods Following scoping review methodology, the authors systematically searched six databases and Google Scholar in February 2021 and March 2022. Articles were screened and selected according to inclusion/exclusion criteria, and findings from included articles were synthesized using procedures of metasynthesis. Results Fifteen articles met inclusion criteria. Six themes emerged relating to the functions and effects of humor in clinical training settings: (1) managing emotions; (2) demarcating insider vs outsider status; (3) facilitating camaraderie; (4) ensuring conformity; (5) negotiating power differentials; and (6) fostering discrimination. Conclusions The use of humor by medical educators plays an integral role in trainees' everyday experiences. Positive humor helps with coping and communication, while negative humor serves as an indirect medium for communicating ridicule and prejudice. Further research drawing on social psychology theories may identify ways to reduce effects of negative humor and promote well-being and diversity in medical education. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-023-01769-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan T. Garcia
- College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807 USA
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1161 21st Avenue South, Medical Center North, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Logan DuBose
- College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807 USA
- Department of Medicine, George Washington University Hospital, Ross Hall, 2300 Eye Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20037 USA
| | - Priya Arunachalam
- College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807 USA
| | - Angela S. Hairrell
- College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807 USA
| | - Robert M. Milman
- College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807 USA
| | - Robert O. Carpenter
- College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX 77807 USA
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Häyry M. Are some controversial views in bioethics Juvenalian satire without irony? Theor Med Bioeth 2023; 44:177-189. [PMID: 36566305 PMCID: PMC10030404 DOI: 10.1007/s11017-022-09604-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The article examines five controversial views, expressed in Jonathan Swift's A Modest Proposal, Helga Kuhse and Peter Singer's Should the Baby Live? The Problem of Handicapped Infants, Alberto Giubilini and Francesca Minerva's "After-birth abortion: why should the baby live?", Julian Savulescu's "Procreative beneficence: why we should select the best children", and the author's "A rational cure for prereproductive stress syndrome". These views have similarities and differences on five levels: the grievances they raise, the proposals they make, the justifications they explicitly use, the justifications they implicitly rely on, and the criticisms that they have encountered. A comparison of these similarities and differences produces two findings. First, some controversial views based on utilitarian considerations would probably fare better flipped upside down and presented as Juvenalian satires. Secondly, a modicum of humor or modesty could help presenters of controversial views to stir polite critical discussion on the themes that they put forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matti Häyry
- Aalto University School of Business, Espoo, Finland.
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Walker SA, Pinkus RT, Olderbak S, MacCann C. People with higher relationship satisfaction use more humor, valuing, and receptive listening to regulate their partners' emotions. Curr Psychol 2023:1-9. [PMID: 37359582 PMCID: PMC9999077 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04432-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
The emotional experiences you have with a romantic partner shape how satisfied you are in your relationship. Engaging in attempts to make a romantic partner feel better is linked with better relationship outcomes. However, it is not yet clear which specific processes people use to regulate their partners' emotions, nor which processes are most strongly linked with relationship satisfaction. In the current study of 277 individuals (55% female), we tested the extent to which eight extrinsic emotion regulation processes (expressive suppression, downward social comparison, humor, distraction, direct action, reappraisal, receptive listening, and valuing) predict relationship satisfaction. Six of the eight processes showed significant positive correlations with relationship satisfaction, with the strongest associations for valuing (r = .43), humor (r = .33), and receptive listening (r = .27). Relative weights were significant only for valuing, humor, and receptive listening, suggesting that these are the most important predictors of relationship satisfaction. Results are discussed in terms of the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic regulation processes and the potential importance of motives for regulation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-023-04432-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Walker
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
| | | | - Sally Olderbak
- Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Carolyn MacCann
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW Australia
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Nicolaisen MA, Hansen AS. Humor, transparency, and the management of distrust among business rivals: a case study of berthing meetings at the Port of Tema in Ghana. Marit Stud 2023; 22:9. [PMID: 36908279 PMCID: PMC9990062 DOI: 10.1007/s40152-023-00298-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This article builds on rich empirical data following our unexpected discovery of a local practice to circumvent a stressful and counterproductive work environment due to distrust at the Port of Tema in Ghana. Using theoretical work on networks, trust, and humor, as well as extensive ethnographic fieldwork, we found that the humorous atmosphere at the regularly held physical berthing meetings fosters a sense of community, which enables competing professions, private companies, and public institutions to manage their mutual distrust. In an environment where trust among competitors is unrealistic, we argue that the objective of the performance of humor and transparency at the physical berthing meetings is the management of distrust rather than the creation of trust. The meetings have, gradually, grown to serve as a pragmatic local stakeholder adaptation to the challenges posed by universally perceived politicized, opaque, and corrupt business practices at the Port of Tema and beyond. In conclusion, we posit that our empirical findings allow us to identify the potential of and gaps in theories about trust and humor in understanding the dynamics of coping strategies among competitors in business settings that are characterized by unethical practices.
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Abstract
PURPOSE Studying humor in the rehabilitation professions is important given its positive effects on health and well-being. We conducted a scoping review to understand how the use of humor has been explored in the existing literature in four rehabilitation professions. The rehabilitation professions included audiology, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS The five-stage method identified by Arksey and O'Malley was used to conduct this review. Six databases were searched. We included 57 articles in our final review, summarized in a narrative synthesis. RESULTS We generated seven themes in our analysis: (1) humour as a management strategy in therapy; (2) humour as a power establisher vs. equalizer; (3) humour as a coping mechanism in rehabilitation; (4) conceptualizations of non-verbal humor cues in therapy; (5) Is humour trainable? (6) Humor used to foster group cohesion; and (7) Attitudes and beliefs surrounding humor practice. CONCLUSIONS Our findings emphasize the importance of using humor in the rehabilitation professions, and the ways in which humor is conceptualized in a multitude of ways for both clinician and client. Future work is needed to further understand the presence and use of humor in rehabilitation professions.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONIn a scoping review of the literature, this study showed that humor was used mainly positively in rehabilitation by the included professions of audiology, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy and contributed to a sense of belonging.Humor may be an effective way to improve management of client/clinician relations as well as improving group cohesion in rehabilitation settings.In the rehabilitation professions of audiology, speech-language pathology, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, non-verbal humor cues were used in instances where communication was difficult or impaired for clients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa L Kfrerer
- Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Debbie Laliberte Rudman
- School of Occupational Therapy & Graduate Program in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Julie Aitken Schermer
- Management and Organizational Studies, Faculty of Social Science, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Marnie Wedlake
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Michelle Murphy
- School of Occupational Therapy, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Carrie Anne Marshall
- School of Occupational Therapy & Graduate Program in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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Colle L, Grosse G, Behne T, Tomasello M. Just teasing! - Infants' and toddlers' understanding of teasing interactions and its effect on social bonding. Cognition 2023; 231:105314. [PMID: 36357214 DOI: 10.1016/j.cognition.2022.105314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The current study investigates infants' and toddlers' understanding of teasing interactions and its effect on subsequent social interactions. Teasing is a special kind of social interaction due to its dual nature: It consists of a slightly provocative contingent action accompanied by positive ostensive emotional cues. Teasing thus presents an especially interesting test case to inform us about young children's abilities to deal with complex social intentions. In a first experiment, we looked at 9-, 12-, and 18-month-old infants' ability to understand and differentiate a teasing intention from a trying intention and a refuse intention. We found that by 12 months of age, infants react differently (gaze, reach) and by 18 months they smile more in reaction to the Tease condition. In the second experiment, we tested 13-, 20- and 30-month-old children in closely matched purely playful and teasing situations. We also investigated potential social effects of teasing interactions on a subsequent affiliation sequence. Twenty- and 30-month-old children smile more in the Teasing than in the Play condition. For the 30-month-old toddlers, additionally, number of laughs is much higher in the Tease than in the Play condition. No effect on affiliation could be found. Thus, from very early in development, infants and toddlers are able to differentiate teasing from superficially similar but serious behavior and from around 18 months of age they enjoy it more. Infants and toddlers are able to process a complex social intention like teasing. Findings are discussed regarding infant and toddler intention understanding abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Colle
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy; Department of Developmental and Comparative Psychology, Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gerlind Grosse
- Department of Social and Education Sciences, Potsdam University of Applied Sciences, Potsdam, Germany; Department of Developmental and Comparative Psychology, Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Tanya Behne
- Department of Psychology, University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany; Department of Developmental and Comparative Psychology, Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Tomasello
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Developmental and Comparative Psychology, Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Germany
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Curșeu PL, Coman AD, Panchenko A, Fodor OC, Rațiu L. Death anxiety, death reflection and interpersonal communication as predictors of social distance towards people infected with COVID 19. Curr Psychol 2023; 42:1490-1503. [PMID: 33686325 PMCID: PMC7930891 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-020-01171-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Our study investigates several antecedents and consequences of negative emotional reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic in a cross-national sample of 737 participants. Our results show that COVID-19 anxiety and negative mood are positively predicted by death anxiety and the use in communication of general COVID-19 information. Death reflection reduces negative mood in relation to COVID-19 and attenuates the positive association between death anxiety on the one hand and the negative mood and anxiety in relation to COVID-19 on the other hand. The use of humoristic information about COVID-19 reduces anxiety and social distance towards people infected with COVID-19 and also attenuates the positive association between the use in communication of general COVID-19 information and negative mood in relation to COVID-19. Our results also show that the association between death anxiety and social distance towards those infected with COVID-19 is mediated by anxiety and negative mood in relation to COVID-19. Finally, the association between the use of COVID-19 information in interpersonal communication and social distance is mediated by anxiety and negative mood in relation to COVID-19. The study thus reveals specific insights for tailored interventions to reduce negativity towards people infected with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petru Lucian Curșeu
- Psychology Department, Babeş – Bolyai University, 37 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania ,Department of Organization, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Andra Diana Coman
- Psychology Department, Babeş – Bolyai University, 37 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Anton Panchenko
- Psychology Department, Babeş – Bolyai University, 37 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Oana Cătălina Fodor
- Psychology Department, Babeş – Bolyai University, 37 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lucia Rațiu
- Psychology Department, Babeş – Bolyai University, 37 Republicii Street, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Gaertner VD, Helwig ED, Manley BJ, Kamlin OF, Kraus A, Rüegger CM. "Harry Potter and the Multitudinous Maladies": a retrospective population-based observational study of morbidity and mortality among witches and wizards. Med J Aust 2022; 217:592-597. [PMID: 36478578 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the prevalence of maladies and deaths among witches and wizards in the Harry Potter world, their causes, and associated therapies. DESIGN Retrospective population-based observational study (report analysis) undertaken 10 February - 19 March 2022. SETTING All locations described in the Harry Potter books, predominantly Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but also selected locations, including Privet Drive No 4, Diagon Alley, the Ministry of Magic, and The Burrow. PARTICIPANTS All witches and wizards mentioned at least once in any of the seven Harry Potter books. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Overall numbers of maladies and deaths. Secondary outcomes were changes in morbidity and mortality over time, causes of morbidity and mortality, and treatments. RESULTS A total of 603 wizards or witches named in the Potter books experienced 1541 maladies and injuries (1410 non-fatal) and 131 deaths. Overall morbidity incidence was 471 events per 1000 individuals, and mortality, after adjustment for Lord Voldemort's multi-mortality, was 20.6%. The most frequent causes of morbidity were traumatic injuries during duels or fights (553 cases, 39.2%), magical objects, potions, plants, or creatures (345, 24.5%), and non-combative trauma (221, 15.7%). Most deaths were related to wizarding duels (101 of 131, 77.1%). Treatments were rarely described; the most frequent were jinxes (274, 19.4%) and potions (136, 9.6%). Hospital stays were shorter than a week for almost all non-fatal maladies (1397 of 1410, 99.1%). CONCLUSIONS Morbidity and, in particular, mortality were very high and predominantly caused by magical means. Further investigation into the safety at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is warranted. The few treatments used had high success rates; rapid recovery was the rule, and hospital stays generally brief. Efforts should be undertaken to identify the magical therapies and interventions used and to introduce these novel remedies into Muggle medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent D Gaertner
- University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.,Dr von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Klinikum, Munich, Germany
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Sartoretti E, Sartoretti T, Koh DM, Sartoretti-Schefer S, Kos S, Goette R, Donners R, Benz R, Froehlich JM, Matoori S, Dubsky P, Plümecke T, Forstner R, Ruch W, Meissnitzer M, Hergan K, Largiader S, Gutzeit A. Humor in radiological breast cancer screening: a way of improving patient service? Cancer Imaging 2022; 22:57. [PMID: 36209196 PMCID: PMC9548186 DOI: 10.1186/s40644-022-00493-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast cancer screening is essential in detecting breast tumors, however, the examination is stressful. In this study we analyzed whether humor enhances patient satisfaction. Methods In this prospective randomized study 226 patients undergoing routine breast cancer screening at a single center during October 2020 to July 2021 were included. One hundred thirty-two were eligible for the study. Group 1 (66 patients) received an examination with humorous intervention, group 2 (66 patients) had a standard breast examination. In the humor group, the regular business card was replaced by a self-painted, humorous business card, which was handed to the patient at the beginning of the examination. Afterwards, patients were interviewed with a standardized questionnaire. Scores between the two study groups were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test or Fisher’s exact test. P-values were adjusted with the Holm’s method. Two-sided p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results One hundred thirty-two patients, 131 female and 1 male, (mean age 59 ± 10.6 years) remained in the final study cohort. Patients in the humor group remembered the radiologist’s name better (85%/30%, P < .001), appreciated the final discussion with the radiologist more (4.67 ± 0.73–5;[5, 5] vs. 4.24 ± 1.1–5;[4, 5], P = .017), felt the radiologist was more empathetic (4.94 ± 0.24–5;[5, 5] vs.4.59 ± 0.64–5;[4, 5], P < .001), and rated him as a humorous doctor (4.91 ± 0.29–5;[5, 5] vs. 2.26 ± 1.43–1;[1, 4], P < .001). Additionally, patients in the humor group tended to experience less anxiety (p = 0.166) and felt the doctor was more competent (p = 0.094). Conclusion Humor during routine breast examinations may improve patient-radiologist relationship because the radiologist is considered more empathetic and competent, patients recall the radiologist’s name more easily, and value the final discussion more. Trial registration We have a general approval from our ethics committee because it is a retrospective survey, the patient lists for the doctors were anonymized and it is a qualitative study, since the clinical processes are part of the daily routine examinations and are used independently of the study. The patients have given their consent to this study and survey. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40644-022-00493-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Sartoretti
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich, Pestalozzistrasse 3, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 3, Postfach 4466, 6002, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Sartoretti
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich, Pestalozzistrasse 3, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Dow Mu Koh
- Cancer Research UK Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research Group, Institute of Cancer Research, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5PT, UK
| | - Sabine Sartoretti-Schefer
- Department of Radiology, Cantonal Hospital Winterthur, Brauerstrasse 15, 8401, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Kos
- Institute of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine and Breast Center St. Anna, Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna, St. Anna- Strasse 32, 6006, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Romana Goette
- Institute of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine and Breast Center St. Anna, Hirslanden Klinik St. Anna, St. Anna- Strasse 32, 6006, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Ricardo Donners
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Süotaöstrasse 21/ Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Robyn Benz
- Department of Diagnostic, Interventional and Pediatric Radiology, Inselspital, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 10, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Johannes M Froehlich
- Clinical Research Group, Klus Apotheke Zürich, Hegibachstrasse 102, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Simon Matoori
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Pavillon Jean- Coutu 2940, chemin de Polythechnique, Montréal, Québec, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Peter Dubsky
- Breast Center, Hirslanden Clinic St Anna, St. Anna- Strasse 32, 6006, Lucerne, Switzerland
| | - Tino Plümecke
- Institute of Sociology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rosemarie Forstner
- Department of Radiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner- Hauptstrasse 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Willibald Ruch
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmühlestrasse 14, Box 1, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Meissnitzer
- Department of Radiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner- Hauptstrasse 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Klaus Hergan
- Department of Radiology, Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner- Hauptstrasse 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Selina Largiader
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zürich, Pestalozzistrasse 3, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 3, Postfach 4466, 6002, Luzern, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Gutzeit
- Department of Health Sciences and Medicine, University of Lucerne, Frohburgstrasse 3, Postfach 4466, 6002, Luzern, Switzerland. .,Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zürich, Vladimir-Prelog-Weg 1-5/10, 8093, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Greijdanus H, van der Voorn M. Humour Against Binge Drinking During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cartoon-Based Anti-Alcohol Health Campaign Targeting Women-Who-Have-Sex-With-Women. Int J Appl Posit Psychol 2022; 8:1-27. [PMID: 35855976 PMCID: PMC9281285 DOI: 10.1007/s41042-022-00068-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study focuses on the role of humour in health and well-being of women-who-have-sex-with-women (WSW) during COVID-19. This group has been shown to be vulnerable to alcohol abuse, especially as self-medication coping with social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigated the potential usefulness of WSW-inclusive (i.e., depicting a female-female romantic couple) versus hetero-normative (i.e., depicting a male-female romantic couple) humorous cartoons in an anti-alcohol health campaign against excessive drinking among WSW. One-hundred-and-twenty-seven self-categorized WSW of diverse genders (woman, non-binary) and sexual orientations (e.g., lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, queer, heterosexual) participated in a 2 × 2 factorial between-participants design. Data were collected during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic in The Netherlands. Humorous cartoons explicitly referring to lockdown measures systematically varied the humour subject (punchline about excessive drinking versus staying sober) and the couple (male-female, female-female) that were depicted. Although the (very brief) health message did not influence binge drinking determinants, the humorous health campaign depicting a female-female couple was perceived as more inclusive and evoked more amusement and less anger than when the cartoons depicted a male-female couple. High WSW identifiers were less amused about the health campaign text (but not the cartoons), less likely to share campaign materials offline (but not online), and had more positive binge drinking attitudes but lower binge drinking intentions than low identifiers. Implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hedy Greijdanus
- Heymans Institute for Psychological Research, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike van der Voorn
- Heymans Institute for Psychological Research, University of Groningen, Grote Kruisstraat 2/1, 9712 TS Groningen, The Netherlands
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Manfredi M, Yumi Nakao Morello L, Marques LM, Boggio PS. When humor is a matter of heart: effects on emotional state and Interbeat Interval. Soc Neurosci 2022; 17:329-338. [PMID: 35759463 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2022.2095019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrated that exposure to humor has beneficial effects on psychological well-being. In the present work, we investigated the behavioral and psychophysiological effects of different types of humor on psychological well-being and on the performance during the execution of a stressful cognitive task. To this aim, we examined the behavioral and psychophysiological effects of ToM humorous and Slapstick humorous comic strips before and after executing a stressful cognitive task. We hypothesized that only slapstick humor could reduce the level of anxiety, increase positive affect and improve performance on the cognitive task. Our findings revealed that, at a specific point in time, exposure to ToM Humor and No Humor strips were associated with lower IBI (higher HR, increase in cardiac recruitment) than slapstick humor. This result suggests that humor involving ToM abilities and No Humor strips elicited a greater cognitive engagement level than slapstick humor. Moreover, in an exploratory analysis we found a positive correlation between cardiac deactivation during the exposure to slapstick Humor and individual empathy scores, suggesting that the empathy skills might influence cardiac recruitment and the level of cognitive engagement during the exposure to humorous material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirella Manfredi
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Letícia Yumi Nakao Morello
- Social and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Developmental Disorders Program, Center for Health and Biological Sciences, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas M Marques
- Instituto de Medicina Física e Reabilitação, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - Paulo S Boggio
- Social and Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Developmental Disorders Program, Center for Health and Biological Sciences, Mackenzie Presbyterian University, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Wilson DM, Bykowski K, Chrzanowski AM, Knox M, Errasti-Ibarrondo B. A scoping research literature review to explore bereavement humor. Curr Psychol 2022; 42:1-12. [PMID: 35400982 PMCID: PMC8975707 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03033-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The death of a loved one is extremely impactful. Although much of the focus now on helping people who are experiencing bereavement grief is oriented to distinguishing complicated from non-complicated grief for early pharmaceutical or psychiatric treatment, lay bereavement support comprises a more common and thus highly important but often unrecognized consideration. A wide variety of lay bereavement programs with diverse components have come to exist. This scoping research literature review focused on bereavement humor, one possible component. Humor has long been recognized as an important social attribute. Researchers have found humor is important for lifting the spirits of ill people and for aiding healing or recovery. However, humor does not appear to have been recognized as a technique that could benefit mourners. A multi-database search revealed only 11 English-language research articles have been published in the last 25 years that focused in whole or in part on bereavement humour. Although minimal evidence exists, these studies indicate bereaved people often use humor and for a number of reasons. Unfortunately, no investigations revealed when and why bereavement humor may be inappropriate or unhelpful. Additional research, multi-cultural investigations in particular, are needed to establish humor as a safe and effective bereavement support technique to apply or to use. Bereavement humor could potentially be used more often to support grieving people and bereaved people should perhaps be encouraged to use humor in their daily lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna M. Wilson
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G1C9 Canada
| | - Kathleen Bykowski
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G1C9 Canada
| | - Ana M. Chrzanowski
- Clinical Implementation Manager, Kaye Edmonton Clinic, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z1 Canada
| | - Michelle Knox
- Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2R7 Canada
| | - Begoña Errasti-Ibarrondo
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Navarra; IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
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Amir O, Utterback KJ, Lee J, Lee KS, Kwon S, Carroll DM, Papoutsaki A. The elephant in the room: attention to salient scene features increases with comedic expertise. Cogn Process 2022; 23:203-215. [PMID: 35267116 DOI: 10.1007/s10339-022-01079-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
What differentiates the joke writing strategy employed by professional comedians from non-comedians? Previous MRI work found that professional comedians relied to a greater extent on "bottom-up processes," i.e., associations driven by the prompt stimuli themselves, while controls relied more on prefrontal lobe directed, "top-down" processes. In the present work, professional improv comedians and controls generated humorous captions to cartoons while their eye movements were tracked. Participants' visual fixation patterns were compared to predictions of the saliency model (Harel et al. in Adv Neural Inf Process Syst 19:545-552, 2007)-a computer model for identifying the most salient locations in an image based on visual features. Captions generated by the participants were rated for funniness by independent raters. Relative to controls, professional comedians' gaze was driven to a greater extent by the cartoons' salient visual features. For all participants, captions' funniness positively correlated with visual attention to salient cartoon features. Results suggest that comedic expertise is associated with increased reliance on bottom-up, stimulus-driven creativity, and that a bottom-up strategy results, on average, in funnier captions whether employed by comedians or controls. The cognitive processes underlying successful comedic creativity appear to adhere to the old comedians' adage "pay attention to the elephant in the room."
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Affiliation(s)
- Ori Amir
- Psychological Science, Pomona College, Claremont, CA, USA.
| | | | - Justin Lee
- Psychological Science, Pomona College, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - Kevin S Lee
- Computer Science, Pomona College, Claremont, CA, USA
| | - Suehyun Kwon
- Psychological Science, Pomona College, Claremont, CA, USA
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Cottingham MD, Rose A. Tweeting Jokes, Tweeting Hope: Humor Practices during the 2014 Ebola Outbreak. Health Commun 2022:1-10. [PMID: 35255759 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2022.2045059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we examine how humor practices on Twitter resist dominant emotion norms during an emerging disease outbreak. Humor may seem frivolous or irreverent but can constitute a powerful practice for channeling and managing difficult emotions - like anxiety and fear - during an outbreak. We find that the use of AAVE (African-American Vernacular English) and Black cultural references were widespread in Ebola-related tweets using humor. Together these communicative practices constitute Black Twitter. Humor can signal membership in Black culture while also performing and managing specific emotions in relation to epidemic risk in online spaces. Humor practices on Black Twitter were more likely to reimagine social connections despite the risks posed by the epidemic, whereas mainstream forms of humor emphasized retreat and self-isolation in response to an epidemic threat. These findings center the agency and creativity of this influential digital community while showing the variability of communication practices among a group facing disproportionate vulnerability to outbreaks and public health threats. The implications for public health messaging are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ariana Rose
- Department of Sociology, University of Amsterdam
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Raecke J, Proyer RT. Humor as a Multifaceted Resource in Healthcare: An Initial Qualitative Analysis of Perceived Functions and Conditions of Medical Assistants' Use of Humor in their Everyday Work and Education. Int J Appl Posit Psychol 2022; 7:397-418. [PMID: 36258700 DOI: 10.1007/s41042-022-00074-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
It has been argued that humor serves as a crucial resource for healthcare professionals (HCPs). For example, they can use it to cope with work stress, to build relationships with patients, and/or to educate medical students and residents—to name but a few functions. However, empirical studies on the importance of humor among HCPs are still scarce. Existing studies primarily focus on nurses and physicians and rarely distinguish between different humor styles (e.g., light and dark). Based on qualitative interviews with 14 German Medical Assistants (MAs), we investigate the potential of humor as a resource for MAs’ work and education. We focus on the perceived functions and conditions of MAs’ successful use of humor as well as the role of humor styles (i.e., comic styles). Results indicate various functions of humor in MAs’ everyday work (e.g., soothing patients, coping with mistakes, fostering team cohesion, or promoting apprentices’ education) as well as different conditions for a successful use of humor (e.g., positive social basis, current well-being, and social sensitivity). Further, the results suggest that the use of a certain humor style depends on the interlocutor as well as the intended goal of the humor. The results not only stress the multifaceted potential as well as the relevance of conditions of successful humor for MAs’ everyday work and education, but also provide valuable real-life insights into MAs’ everyday humor, thus offering several implications for practice to promote humor as a positive resource in MAs.
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Stengel D, Hönning A, Just S, Mutze S, Ekkernkamp A, Ohmann T, Haase H, Kröpil P, Gölz L. The CRECHE study: testing the urban myth that chocolate Santa Clauses are re-wrapped Easter Bunnies. Med J Aust 2021; 215:531-535. [PMID: 34897722 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the urban myth that surplus chocolate Easter Bunnies are re-packaged as Santa Clauses for the following Christmas holiday season. DESIGN Prospective radiographic cohort study of seasonal chocolate figurines, supplemented by anonymous 5-item questionnaire survey of belief in the re-wrapping myth (Generic Risk Items Noted by Chocolate consumers in Health care settings; GRINCH). SETTING Two tertiary referral trauma centres in Germany (Berlin and Duisburg). PARTICIPANTS Eighteen chocolate Easter Bunnies and 15 chocolate Santa Clauses from different manufacturers purchased during 2020; 502 randomly selected people passing through the entrance halls of the two hospitals during 16 September - 12 October 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Whole body computed tomography (WBCT) images of chocolate Easter Bunnies and Santa Clauses assessed by four independent, board-certified radiologists using a visual contour resemblance scale (CRS); survey participants' views on statements related to the re-wrapping myth. RESULTS Expert examiners clearly distinguished the WBCT images of chocolate Easter Bunnies and Santa Clauses; the mean difference in CRS was 84.2 points (95% CI, 78.5-90.0 points), with excellent inter-observer agreement (mean intra-class correlation coefficient, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.99-1.00). A total of 214 survey participants (43%) disagreed and 145 (29%) agreed with the proposition that seasonal chocolate figurines are re-packaged and re-sold the following season. CONCLUSION Although about one-third of our survey respondents did not rule out the possibility of seasonal sweets being re-used, WBCT imaging found no similarity between chocolate foil-wrapped Easter and Christmas figurines, providing solid evidence against this urban myth. Chocolate Santa Clauses are unlikely to pose a significant threat to hospital food hygiene requirements. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN16847363 (prospective).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dirk Stengel
- BG Kliniken: Klinikverbund der gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung gGmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Hönning
- Centre for Clinical Research, BG Klinikum Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Just
- BG Klinikum Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin gGmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Mutze
- Institute of Radiology and Neuroradiology, BG Klinikum Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Hajo Haase
- Institute of Food Chemistry, Technical University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Leonie Gölz
- Institute of Radiology and Neuroradiology, BG Klinikum Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Hoicka E, Soy Telli B, Prouten E, Leckie G, Browne WJ, Mireault G, Fox C. The Early Humor Survey (EHS): A reliable parent-report measure of humor development for 1- to 47-month-olds. Behav Res Methods 2021. [PMID: 34792779 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-021-01704-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We created a 20-item parent-report measure of humor development from 1 to 47 months: the Early Humor Survey (EHS). We developed the EHS with Study 1 (N = 219) using exploratory factor analysis, demonstrating the EHS works with 1- to 47-month-olds with excellent reliability and a strong correlation with age, showing its developmental trajectory. We replicated the EHS with Study 2 (N = 587), revealing a one-factor structure, showing excellent reliability, and replicating a strong correlation with age. Study 3 (N = 84) found the EHS correlated with a humor experiment, however it no longer correlated once age was accounted for, suggesting low convergent validity. Subsamples of parents from Studies 2 and 3 showed excellent inter-observer reliability between both parents, and good longitudinal stability after 6 months. Combining participants from all studies, we found the EHS is reliable across countries (Australia, United Kingdom, United States), parent education levels, and children’s age groups. We charted expected humor development by age (in months), and the expected proportion of children who would appreciate each humor type by age (in months). Finally, we found no demographic differences (e.g., country: Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States; parents’ education) in humor when pooling all data. The EHS is a valuable tool that will allow researchers to understand how humor: (1) emerges; and (2) affects other aspects of life, e.g., making friends, coping with stress, and creativity. The EHS is helpful for parents, early years educators, and children’s media, as it systematically charts early humor development.
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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: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the methods used to develop clinical judgment in the simulation setting. In many cases, virtual simulation has replaced face-to-face simulation but lack of interaction between the students and educators is a limitation. Sample Ninety-six prelicensure baccalaureate nursing students at a Midwestern university participated in the end-of-semester simulation as part of the course. Method Based on the review of aggregate standardized test results, a simulation scenario was developed using a synchronous online format with educators portraying nurses and patients using a fun approach. At three predetermined stopping points, students discussed further nursing actions which were performed by the educators, followed by debriefing at the end of the scenario. Results Simulation evaluation as part of routine systematic simulation program assessment indicated students perceived both pauses for discussion during the scenario and debriefing at the end were valuable in promoting their learning. Conclusion This project is consistent with research which found virtual simulation enhances student learning and clinical judgment. The positive perception of students about the use of humor through implementation of the simulation scenario was consistent with current research related to student engagement and motivation to participate.
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Rothermich K, Ogunlana A, Jaworska N. Change in humor and sarcasm use based on anxiety and depression symptom severity during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 140:95-100. [PMID: 34102518 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Humor and sarcasm may be used as potential coping strategies during challenging times, and to improve wellbeing. We investigated changes in humor and sarcasm use during the COVID-19 pandemic in participants with varying anxiety and depression symptom severity, and in those with versus without psychiatric disorders. METHODS Online data was collected from N = 661 Canadian adults during the height of COVID-19-related restrictions. Depression and anxiety symptom severity were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and General Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale. Participants were queried on current presence/absence of a psychiatric disorder, and on changes in humor and sarcasm use during compared to before the pandemic. RESULTS Participants with any vs. no depression symptoms reported more sarcasm and humor use during the pandemic. Respondents with mild and severe vs. no anxiety symptoms reported using more sarcasm. However, those with any vs. no anxiety symptoms used less humor during the pandemic. Finally, less humor use was noted in those without vs. with a psychiatric disorder. LIMITATIONS The use of self-report measures and a sample that may limit generalizability. CONCLUSIONS Adults with depression symptoms used more humor and sarcasm as a potential coping strategy during COVID-19. While individuals with anxiety symptoms used more sarcasm, this was not true of humor, suggesting their decreased reliance on levity during a crisis. Humor use was greater in those with psychiatric disorders, perhaps due to self-preservation mechanisms during times of distress. Our findings have implications for using humor in therapy in individuals with mental health struggles and mood disorders.
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Abstract
Although humor significantly shapes interpersonal perception and behavior, it historically has been surprisingly absent from much of the psychology literature. However, there have been recent advances in humor research which have provided us with two key insights. First, humor is intricately linked with power. Individuals who use humor well can elevate, maintain, and solidify their position in the social hierarchy. Second, attempting to use humor is risky. Individuals whose humor attempts are perceived as offensive and inappropriate can lose status and their ability to influence others effectively. This review provides theoretical and practical insights on how humor shapes the social hierarchy, while outlining important areas for future research.
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Purser HRM, Van Herwegen J, Ranzato E, Thomas MSC. The role of context in verbal humor processing in autism. J Exp Child Psychol 2021; 209:105166. [PMID: 33991842 DOI: 10.1016/j.jecp.2021.105166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Difficulties in processing humor have been associated with individuals with autism. The current study investigated whether humor comprehension and appreciation could be augmented in children with autism by providing contextual support suggesting that humor was to be expected. A verbally presented riddle task was used in which participants were assessed for their subjective ratings and comprehension of the materials. They were also filmed to record any smiling or laughing. Both riddles and control stimuli were presented with supporting verbal context and also without it. The results showed that (a) the greater subjective appreciation of riddles than of control stimuli was dependent on the provision of context for the participants with autism and that (b) context statistically equated these ratings of riddles between participants with autism and matched typically developing controls. However, context had no effect on comprehension or affective response. The results of the current study demonstrate that children with autism are, even in the most conservative interpretation, able to use verbal context to recognize verbal humor. This lays the foundation of possible interventions based on training sensitivity to context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry R M Purser
- NTU Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, UK.
| | - Jo Van Herwegen
- UCL Institute of Education, University College London, London WC1H 0AL, UK
| | - Erica Ranzato
- UCL Institute of Education, University College London, London WC1H 0AL, UK
| | - Michael S C Thomas
- Developmental Neurocognition Laboratory, Birkbeck College, University of London, London WC1E 7HX, UK
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Brawer J, Amir O. Mapping the "Funny Bone": Neuroanatomical Correlates of Humor Creativity in Professional Comedians. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2021; 16:915-925. [PMID: 33908608 PMCID: PMC8421700 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsab049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
What are the neuroanatomical correlates of expertise in a specific creative domain? Professional comedians, amateurs and controls underwent a T1 MRI anatomical scan. Measures of cortical surface area (gyrification and sulcal depth) and thickness were extracted for each participant. Compared to controls, professional comedians had a greater cortical surface area in the left inferior temporal gyrus, angular gyrus, precuneus and right medial prefrontal cortex. These regions have been previously implicated in abstract, divergent thinking and the default-mode network. The high degree of overlap between the regions of greater surface area in professional comedians with the regions showing greater activation in the same group during comedy improvisation in our previous work (particularly the temporal regions and angular gyrus) suggests that these regions may be specifically involved in humor creativity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Brawer
- Neuroscience, Pomona College, Claremont, California, USA
| | - Ori Amir
- Psychological Science, Pomona College, Claremont, California, USA
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Fanslau A, Jurek P, Renner KH. Assessment of the histrionic self-presentation style: initial validation of the Polish version of the As-If-Scale. Curr Issues Personal Psychol 2021; 9:165-178. [PMID: 38013796 PMCID: PMC10658856 DOI: 10.5114/cipp.2021.105326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main research objective was to translate and evaluate the Polish version of the As-If-Scale (AIS) as well as to test the measurement invariance of the Polish and the original (German) versions of the tool, and to analyze the differences in histrionic self-presentation style among Poles and Germans. The AIS consists of 8 items for the subjective assessment of the histrionic self-presentation style which involves behaviors such as playing roles, imitating people or even engaging others in performing small role-plays, and is seen as an individual difference phenomenon. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE The psychometric properties of the Polish version were tested in two samples with a total of 762 participants. RESULTS The article presents the factor structure and reliability of the scale. In addition, the AIS was correlated with measures of the Big Five personality traits, pragmatism and gelotophobia to provide initial validation. Measurement invariance was tested using data collected in this study (Polish sample) and existing and previously published data (German sample). CONCLUSIONS Overall, the results provide support for the reliability of the scale as its properties are similar to those of the German version. The findings also allow one to make broader cross-cultural comparisons of the histrionic self-presentation style, which includes various types of behavior and is often associated with humor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paweł Jurek
- Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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Farkas AH, Trotti RL, Edge EA, Huang LY, Kasowski A, Thomas OF, Chlan E, Granros MP, Patel KK, Sabatinelli D. Humor and emotion: Quantitative meta analyses of functional neuroimaging studies. Cortex 2021; 139:60-72. [PMID: 33836303 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2021.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Humor is a ubiquitous aspect of human behavior that is infrequently the focus of neuroscience research. To localize human brain structures associated with the experience of humor, we conducted quantitative activation likelihood estimate (ALE) meta analyses of 57 fMRI studies (n = 1248) reporting enhanced regional brain activity evoked by humorous cues versus matched control cues. We performed separate ALE analyses of studies that employed picture-driven, text-based, and auditory laughter cues to evoke humor. A primary finding was that complex humor activates supramodal areas of the brain strongly associated with emotional processes, including bilateral amygdala and inferior frontal gyrus. Moreover, activation in brain regions associated with language, semantic knowledge, and theory of mind were differentially modulated by text and picture-driven humor cues, while hearing laughter enhances activation in auditory association cortex. The identification of humor-driven brain networks has the potential to expand brain-derived models of human emotion and could provide useful targets in translational research and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew H Farkas
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602 United States
| | - Rebekah L Trotti
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602 United States
| | - Elizabeth A Edge
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical & Health Sciences Institute, Division of Neuroscience, University of Georgia, Athens, GA United States
| | - Ling-Yu Huang
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical & Health Sciences Institute, Division of Neuroscience, University of Georgia, Athens, GA United States
| | | | - Olivia F Thomas
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602 United States
| | - Eli Chlan
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602 United States
| | - Maria P Granros
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602 United States
| | - Kajol K Patel
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602 United States
| | - Dean Sabatinelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602 United States; Department of Neuroscience, Biomedical & Health Sciences Institute, Division of Neuroscience, University of Georgia, Athens, GA United States.
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Ruiz-Padial E, Pastor MC, Mercado F, Mata-Martín JL, García-León A. MATTER in emotion research: Spanish standardization of an affective image set. Behav Res Methods 2021. [PMID: 33694080 DOI: 10.3758/s13428-021-01567-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Pictures with affective content have been widely used in the scientific study of emotions, from two main perspectives: on the one hand, dimensional theories claiming that affective experiences can be described according to a few fundamental dimensions such as valence and arousal, and on the other hand, discrete-category theories proposing the presence of a number of basic and universal emotions. Although it has been demonstrated that these two approaches are not mutually exclusive, the existing standardized affective picture databases have been created from the dimensional perspective, which has led to important gaps for research focused on discrete emotions. The present work introduces MATTER, a new database comprising 540 pictures depicting disgusting, fearful, neutral, erotic, mirthful and incongruent content, which provides normative values (total N = 368, mean = 120.47 ratings/picture) in valence and arousal dimensions, as well as in discrete affective (disgust, fear, erotica and mirth) and cognitive (incongruence and interest) features. A tentative classification into discrete categories is presented, and the physical properties of each picture are reported. Our findings suggest that MATTER constitutes a modern and suitable set of affective images including, for the first time, both mirth- and incongruence-related pictures. Additionally, it will enable the examination of affective and cognitive processes in fear/disgust and humor/incongruence fields.
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Teive HAG, Franklin GL, Lima P, Germiniani FMB, Camargo CHF, Walusinski O. The Art of Charcot: An Outstanding Caricaturist. Eur Neurol 2021; 84:49-52. [PMID: 33592608 DOI: 10.1159/000513677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Jean-Martin Charcot is considered the father of modern neurology; alongside his work as a physician, professor, and researcher in this area, he was also artistically gifted with a taste for caricature. This historical note summarizes 8 caricatures by Charcot that exhibit a mixture of humor, satire, irony, and sarcasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélio A G Teive
- Neurology Service, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.,Neurological Diseases Group, Postgraduate Program in Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Gustavo L Franklin
- Neurology Service, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Plínio Lima
- Neurology Service, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Francisco M B Germiniani
- Neurology Service, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique F Camargo
- Neurological Diseases Group, Postgraduate Program in Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil,
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Abstract
As naturally occurring examples of folk culture and creativity, internet memes provide a rich testbed to examine the interrelationships among cognitive and motivational factors that influence their impact. In two studies with participants recruited over the internet, we measured a variety of appraisals of both apolitical and political memes with a focus on the role of metaphorical aptness and personal relatability as predictors of comprehensibility and humor. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze interconnections among appraisals. A major network path connects relatability to aptness, which in turn is linked to appraisals of comprehensibility, humor, and propensity to share. For political memes, the congruity of the meme with the person's political position (liberal or conservative) has a powerful but indirect impact on the propensity to share it. These findings indicate that appraisals of memes are based on cognitive and motivational processes that also underlie metaphor comprehension and appreciation of humor.
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