KNR 253 Humor

Dattilo & McKenney, 2011

Have you ever benefited from using humor in your own life? What are some ways humor might be beneficial in a TR setting?

Theoretical Foundations Incongruity theory  Difference between what is expected and what actually happens  Has an element of unexpectedness Psychological release  Release tension

Outcomes Reduce anxiety & depression Increase pain tolerance Improve immune system functioning Improve self-concept Improve interpersonal relationships Improve memory Assist with recovery from surgery Assist ability to learn

Possible Uses in TR Functional intervention/treatment  Use with people receiving treatment for cancer, dialysis, burns, etc.  Use to help with memorization skills  Others Leisure education  Humor development  Humor appreciation  Stress and humor

Possible Uses in TR Recreation participation  Humor rooms  Humor carts  Movies  Skits produced by clients

Sample Programs The Humor Project A Tonic You Can Afford The Healing Power of Humor How to Develop Your Sense of Humor The Comedy Club Humor Production Procedure Also provides a couple exercises

Activity: Add Some Nonsense Making fun of problems can help people get new perspective and remove power of the problem  Write 5 things that regularly cause you stress  Number in order of least stressful to most stressful  Write a short laugh sound after each sentence “Ha ha” “Tee hee” Nobody ever listens to me….ha ha