Humour in Psychotherapy

Abstract

ABSTRACT. Utilisation of humour by psychotherapists attracts increased interest. While the constructive and untoward potential of the use of humour in therapy has been discussed in the clinical literature, the issue has hardly been investigated empirically. The present study explored the reactions of patients to therapist interventions which employed humorous as compared to nonhumorous control reactions. The sample consisted of 60 female patients, of three personality types: obsessive, hysterical and depressive. They were asked to rate on 8‐point scales twelve simulated, tape‐recorded therapist interventions of three functional categories: anxiety reduction, perspective building and emotional confrontation. The results indicated a persistent preference for the nonhumorous over the humorous intervention. Statistical analysis revealed no main effects of either personality type or kind of humour, but these two variables were shown to interact significantly in determining the extent of preference for the nonhumorous over the humorous communications. Analysis of open‐ended responses indicated more ambivalent attitudes toward the use of humour by patients. The implications of the findings for therapeutic theory and practice are discussed.

The use of banter in psychotherapy: A systematic literature review

“…Eight studies (Falk & Hill, 1992; Gervaize et al., 1985; Golan et al., 1988; Kissane et al., 2004; Rosenheim & Golan, 1986; Rutchick, 2013; Ventis et al., 2001; Yonkovitz, 1998) used various measures including ratings for humorous interventions, humour questionnaires (Situational Humor Response Questionnaire—SHRQ; Martin & Lefcourt, 1984); the Revised Questionnaire on the Sense of Humor—RQSH (Svebak, 1974), codings for verbal expressions of humour (Rutchick, 2013), humour ratings of hierarchy items (Ventis et al., 2001), behavioural approach task (BAT) scores (Ventis et al., 2001), fear arousal self‐reports (Walk, 1956), perceived self‐efficacy (Bandura & Adams, 1977), The Anxiety Differential (Nietzel et al., 1988), Spider Cognitive Dimension Rating (adapted from Bandura & Adams, 1977), Marlowe‐Crowne Social Desirability Scale (Crowne & Marlowe, 1960), Coping Humor Scale (Lefcourt & Martin, 1986), humorous hierarchy scene ratings (Ventis et al., 2001) as well as group and meeting notes (Kissane et al., 2004).…”

“…This section is organised by the theoretically based categories that were created based on the literature to carry out a deductive content analysis on the 20 articles selected for eligibility in the systematic review (Bader, 1993; Bloomfield, 1980; Fabian, 2011; Falk & Hill, 1992; Gervaize et al., 1985; Golan et al., 1988; Grotjahn, 1971; Haig, 1986; Kennedy, 1991; Kissane et al., 2004; Lusterman, 1992; Marcus, 1990; Poland, 1971; Rosenheim & Golan, 1986; Rutchick, 2013; Schimel, 1978; Ventis et al., 2001; Wright, 2000; Yonatan‐Leus et al., 2018; Yonkovitz, 1998).…”

“…Theoretically driven category definition: Indeed, an aversion for humorous interventions was reported in some studies (Golan et al., 1988; Rosenheim & Golan, 1986). Even so, these studies related to the psychopathological context where responses to humour may be more sensitive than in general psychotherapy.…”

“…Studies originating mostly from the United States may reflect either more research done on humour in the United States (Pinna et al., 2018) or the relatively narrow selection of articles in the screening process, in particular with the focus on banter‐related literature and empirical studies (Kissane et al., 2004; Ventis et al., 2001; Yonatan‐Leus et al., 2018). Although most studies were case studies in design, a new strand of literature beginning in the mid‐1980s (Gervaize et al., 1985; Golan et al., 1988; Rosenheim & Golan, 1986) and going through to more recent work (Kissane et al., 2004; Ventis et al., 2001; Yonatan‐Leus et al., 2018; Yonkovitz, 1998) seems to have focussed on more empirical designs to investigate humour in therapy.…”

“…Mocking, irony with positive intentions 1 Fabian (2011) Emotional/humorous confrontation 3 Golan et al (1988), Rosenheim and Golan (1986) Eight studies (Falk & Hill, 1992;Gervaize et al, 1985;Golan et al, 1988;Kissane et al, 2004;Rosenheim & Golan, 1986;Rutchick, 2013;Ventis et al, 2001;Yonkovitz, 1998) Martin & Lefcourt, 1984); the Revised Questionnaire on the Sense of Humor-RQSH (Svebak, 1974), codings for verbal expressions of humour (Rutchick, 2013), humour ratings of hierarchy items (Ventis et al, 2001), behavioural approach task (BAT)…”