Humor interventions in psychotherapy and their effect on levels of depression and anxiety in adult clients, a systematic review

Abstract

IntroductionHumor as a valuable construct in psychology has been the subject of much discussion for many years and has received increased attention more recently in the field of positive psychology. However, empirical research on the application of humor in a clinical setting with depressed or anxious clients has been difficult to discover. Because of the potential benefits and the low costs of providing humorous interventions, our goal was to give an overview of the studies conducted in psychotherapy and to show the effect of humor on the levels of depression and anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, we wanted to assess the empiric support of humor as a clinical intervention in psychotherapy according to the SIGN system.MethodsWe used the PRISMA guidelines. Because of the differences in the design of the 10 included studies, it was not possible to perform a meta-analysis.ResultsResults from studies performed in seven different countries show that humorous interventions can have significant positive effects on symptoms of depression and anxiety. The results also confirm the prior observation that empirical research in the field is based on different designs with different populations and different methods of translating the abstract concept of humor into measurable observations. The results need to be considered with caution because of the methodological limitations of the research to date.DiscussionSome authors advocate for an integrative approach to continue research on humor in psychotherapy. It is our recommendation to first focus on the separate aspects of humor and to conduct research based on sound methodology. To initiate wider research to the application of humor in psychotherapy, we propose an approach to humorous interventions based on surprise and confusion which can help clients to search for an alternative framework to resolve the confusion and therefore promote taking on new perspectives and distancing themselves from the actual problem.

Efficacy of Comedy on Health-Related Quality of Life and Oxidative Stress in Cancer Survivors

“…Prior studies have reported improvements in depression with mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) in breast cancer survivors [ 20 ]; however, efficacy regarding anxiety has not been reported [ 21 ]. Laughter therapy has been found to reduce anxiety, albeit in non-cancer patients [ 22 ]. These results suggest that a daily habit of watching comedy may reduce anxiety as well as depression.…”

Humor in professional coaching: a literature review and research agenda

“…Recent review studies on humor in the mental health area, focusing on both adults and children ( Haire and MacDonald, 2019 ; Gonot-Schoupinsky et al, 2020 ; Sun et al, 2023 ) or exclusively adults ( Brooks et al, 2021 ; Sarink and García-Montes, 2023 ), examine diverse forms of humor interventions. These interventions range from clowns and yoga/laughter therapy to comedy training and laughing incentives.…”

“…Recent published reviews on humor have primarily focused on its effect on psychotherapy ( Gelkopf, 2011 ; Brooks et al, 2021 ; Sarink and García-Montes, 2023 ), however also personal development ( Gonot-Schoupinsky et al, 2020 ) and mental health ( Schneider et al, 2018 ; Zhao et al, 2019 ). Two review studies explored humor only in a pediatric context and were excluded from our analysis ( Haire and MacDonald, 2019 ; Sun et al, 2023 ).…”

“…The most recent review of Sarink and García-Montes (2023) collected empirical data about humor interventions (humor with/without laughter, clowns, video, comedy training, and watching movies) with mentally ill adult clients (depression, anxiety). One article was about spontaneous humor use by the therapist ( Panichelli et al, 2018 ) and described humor interventions; telling jokes and metaphors, giving provocative nicknames, and exaggerating beliefs.…”

“…Two reviews incorporate papers about spontaneous humor use but consider group and individual therapy together when examining the effects ( Gelkopf, 2011 ; Brooks et al, 2021 ). The other three reviews mainly incorporate humor interventions where clients have to absorb or learn humor techniques ( Zhao et al, 2019 ; Gonot-Schoupinsky et al, 2020 ; Sarink and García-Montes, 2023 ). Sarink and García-Montes (2023) acknowledges the design inconsistency and advocates a holistic approach where humor’s various facets collaboratively contribute to enhancing clients’ overall well-being in the context of personal development.…”