The Use of Humor in Family Therapy: Rationale and Applications

Fox, Lauren

doi:10.1080/08975353.2016.1136548

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…When individuals engage in formal humor training programs (i.e., teaching clients how to use humor as a tool) implemented by psychologists or nurses, experimental groups experienced a significant increase in resiliency and well-being and significant decreases in behavioral problems and perceived stress, depression, and anxiety compared to control groups (Crawford & Caltabiano, 2011; Sim, 2015). Family therapists have found that humor can be used as an assessment, intervention, coping skill, and alliance-building tool with youth, adults, and families (Fox, 2016) and that shared laughter in couples can indicate positive associations with relationship quality, closeness, and social support (Kurtz & Algoe, 2015). Communications, psychology, and humor studies research indicates that one's humor style (e.g., aggressive, affilitative) can determine the positive or negative impact of humor on all involved and that humor may exacerbate negative emotional states in general, in relationships, and in the workplace (Cann et al, 2014; Dionigi et al, 2021; Frisby et al, 2016; Geisler & Weber, 2010; Martin et al, 2003; McCosker & Moran, 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The benefit, harm, and complication of humor in social work: A qualitative inquiry

Ocean,

Gordon

2024

Journal of Social Work

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Summary The use of humor in social work is an underrecognized and underexplored area of practice despite its potential to heal, harm, and complicate communication. To date, very minimal scholarship has been published on humor in social work. Therefore, this qualitative study sought to examine how social workers use, perceive, and experience humor. Data were gathered from 22 participants who identified as social workers via an online survey. Data also included learning artifacts (e.g., discussion board posts, humor therapy treatment plans) from 19 graduate-level social work students who completed a humor in social work course in the northeast region of the United States. Both datasets were analyzed thematically. Findings Participants perceived social workers as using humor in clearly distinct ways, as a tool to promote generative growth, and as a weapon to harm already marginalized populations. In total, participant responses highlight the complexities of humor, including its subjective and dynamic nature, which can lead to multiple and sometimes conflicting experiences. Applications The findings suggest that social workers view humor positively, yet they engage in its use without adequate training, strategy, and reflection, sometimes violating professional ethics. Results further indicate that social workers will continue to employ humor in their professional work to the benefit and detriment of those around them. To support reflective and informed practice, additional research is needed on the use and misuse of humor in social work.

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