Responding to the needs of the terminally ill through laughter and play

Abstract

Care for the terminally ill has greatly expanded. Humor and play, however, remain largely unexplored, surrendered to the cultural expectation of dignity and respect for the dying. This paper suggests several uses of humor and play with the dying, and the benefits of these interventions with patients, families, and care givers.

The Use of Humor in Palliative Care: A Systematic Literature Review

“…33 Through a sense of humor, the patient recognizes the professionals as being closer, and it helps break the prejudice of the professional as a distant, out-of-reach, paternalistic figure. 26 It generates confidence, 14,26,35 and both strengthens and consolidates the therapeutic relationship. 35,41 Humor brings benefits to communication.…”

My Wonderful Life: A Board Game for Patients with Advanced Cancer

“…It is not difficult to understand why humor and play with patients remain under-explored. This is largely due to the cultural expectations of dignity and respect for the dying (Graham & Cates, 1989). The cultural expectations for people to deal with sick or dying people is through muted display of positive emotions (Graham & Cates, 1989).…”

“…This is largely due to the cultural expectations of dignity and respect for the dying (Graham & Cates, 1989). The cultural expectations for people to deal with sick or dying people is through muted display of positive emotions (Graham & Cates, 1989). This is considered a sign of solemn respect for the patients and their family members.…”

“…However, the use of play can provide a different model of interaction with sick patients. Play can relieve emotional discomfort of the patient and models positive interaction instead of suppression of positive emotions (Graham & Cates, 1989;Schaefer, 2003). By modeling relaxed and fun interactions, we give permission to the patients to interact playfully with us.…”

“…By modeling relaxed and fun interactions, we give permission to the patients to interact playfully with us. These interactions can reinforce respect for the patient's need for a full emotional life (Graham & Cates, 1989). In addition, the use of therapeutic play could also facilitate interaction and expression for Chinese people who often have difficulties sharing intimate and intense emotions and topics.…”