Humor in therapy : an empirical examination

• Main Author: Engel, Scott G.
• Other Authors: Deckers, Lambert H.
• Format: Others
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Wit and humor > Psychological aspects.; Psychotherapist and patient.; Wit and humor > Therapeutic use.
• Online Access: http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/handle/186299; http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/1210538

In the psychological literature little has been written about the use of humor in therapy. Especially lacking is empirical data regarding the topic. In the current study I investigated the relationship between a personality characteristic, sense of humor, and the amount of humor used by a therapist in a mock therapy session. A 2 x 3 factorial design was implemented with participant's sense of humor and the amount of humor used by the therapist being the independent variables. I hypothesized that a moderate amount of humor would result in more positive ratings of the therapist than either the low or high humor conditions. I also hypothesized that participants who had a greater sense of humor would rate the therapist more positively. Results revealed a partial confirmation of the hypotheses. The greatest amount of humor used by the therapist resulted in decreased ratings of the therapist for a measure of appropriateness of humor and a measure of warmth and empathy. Also, the therapist who used the most humor was rated significantly less rigid and dull than the therapist who used no humor. Suggestions forfuture research in the area are given. === Department of Psychological Science