Humour as therapeutic play: stress-moderating effects of sense of humour
Publisher/Sponsor:
Leisurability Publications Inc.
Author:
Martin, Rod
It is important to recognize that humour may be used in both healthy and unhealthy ways. Besides being an effective way of coping with stress, enhancing self-esteem, and increasing cohesion in relationships, humour may also be used defensively to avoid dealing constructively with problems and as a means of denigrating others who are less fortunate. Nonetheless, the research reviewed here provides some support for the notion that a healthy and playful sense of humour may serve to protect people from the aversive effects of life stress. In particular, studies have found stress-moderating effects of sense of humour on both positive and negative moods, with some evidence that depression may be alleviated by humour more than anxiety. In addition to moods, some stress-buffering effects of humor have been found with physiological outcomes, including symptoms of physical illness and some aspects of immunity. Some understanding of the mechanisms underlying these effects are suggested by findings of relationships between measures of sense of humor and variables such as coping styles, appraisals, and self-esteem.
Originally published in Journal of Leisurability vol. 23, #4.
Publication Date:
1996
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