Evaluation of a standardized humor group in a clinical setting: a feasibility study for older patients with depression

Konradt, Brigitte; Hirsch, Rolf D.; Jonitz, Markus F.; Junglas, Karin

doi:10.1002/gps.3893

Cited by 61 publications

(61 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Nevertheless, we found short-term effects for depression in this study. This is in line with findings for humor-based programs that were also effective in depressed patients (e.g., Falkenberg, Buchkremer, Bartels, & Wild, 2011;Konradt et al, 2013). Overall, results for the replication of the findings for the three funny things-intervention were mixed, as we could replicate the ameliorating effects on depressive symptoms only in the short-term (findings for happiness were replicated though).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

“…Vaillant (e.g., 2000) has argued that humor may contribute to healthy aging (as a mature defense mechanism). There are also humor-based programs in the elderly that are effective in ameliorating depression, anxiety, or pain (e.g., Ganz & Jacobs, 2014;Hirsch, Junglas, Konradt, & Jonitz, 2010;Konradt, Hirsch, Jonitz, & Junglas, 2013;Low et al, 2013; for an overview see Ruch & McGhee, 2014), or in enhancing positive affect in habitants of residential homes (Houston, McKee, Carroll, & Marsh, 1998). Humor is also potent in inducing the positive emotion of amusement (Ruch, 2001(Ruch, , 2009, which may be helpful in the building of resources for well-being (Fredrickson, 1998).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Humor-based online positive psychology interventions: A randomized placebo-controlled long-term trial

Wellenzohn

Proyer

Ruch

2016

The Journal of Positive Psychology

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While correlational evidence exists that humor is positively associated with well-being, only few studies addressed causality. We tested the effects of five humor-based activities on happiness and depression in a placebo-controlled, self-administered online positive psychology intervention study (N = 632 adults). All of the five one-week interventions enhanced happiness, three for up to six months (i.e. three funny things, applying humor, and counting funny things), whereas there were only shortterm effects on depression (all were effective directly after the intervention). Additionally, we tested the moderating role of indicators of a person × intervention-fit and identified early changes in well-being and preference (liking of the intervention) as the most potent indicators for changes six months after the intervention. Overall, we were able to replicate existing work, but also extend knowledge in the field by testing newly developed interventions for the first time. While correlational evidence exists that humor is positively associated with well-being, only few studies addressed causality. We tested the effects of five humor-based activities on happiness and depression in a placebo-controlled, self-administered online positive psychology intervention (PPI) study (N = 632 adults). All of the five one-week interventions enhanced happiness, three for up to six months (i.e., three funny things, applying humor, and counting funny things), whereas there were only short-term effects on depression (all were effective directly after the intervention). Additionally, we tested the moderating role of indicators of a person×intervention-fit and identified early changes in well-being and preference (liking of the intervention) as the most potent indicators for changes six months after the intervention. Overall, we were able to replicate existing work, but also extend knowledge in the field by testing newly developed interventions for the first time. Findings are discussed with respect to the current literature.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Humor-based online positive psychology interventions: A randomized placebo-controlled long-term trial

Wellenzohn

Proyer

Ruch

2016

The Journal of Positive Psychology

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“…It has been argued that the economy in the presentation and conduct of the study is a plus for this type of interventions. However, it needs to be acknowledged that individually conducted interventions and those that are conducted with groups could POSITIVE INTERVENTIONS IN PEOPLE AGED 50-79 YEARS 17 be more effective (Sin & Lyubomirsky, 2009 However, findings from other research groups (e.g., Hirsch et al, 2010;Konradt et al, 2013;Ramírez et al, 2013) are encouraging. The question arises on the suitability of the current design for clinical populations.…”

Section: Positive Interventions In People Aged 50-79 Years 15mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It was suggested that humor plays an important role for the well-being of older adults (e.g., Konradt, Hirsch, Jonitz, & Junglas, 2013;Proyer, Ruch, & Müller, 2010;Ruch & McGhee, in press;Ruch, Proyer, & Weber, 2010b). Konradt et al (2013) tested the effects of a standardized humor therapy group for depressive patients (compared to a group of patients with no treatment); all ≥ 61 years of age. Only patients in the humorgroup showed lower state seriousness and greater satisfaction with life after completion of the program (see also Hirsch, Junglas, Konradt, & Jonitz, 2010).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Positive psychology interventions in people aged 50–79 years: long-term effects of placebo-controlled online interventions on well-being and depression

Proyer

Gander

Wellenzohn

et al. 2014

Aging & Mental Health

158

137

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Objectives: Various positive psychology interventions have been experimentally tested, but only few studies addressed the effects of such activities in participants aged 50 and above. Method: We tested the impact of four self-administered positive psychology interventions in an online setting (i.e., gratitude visit, three good things, three funny things, and using signature strengths in a new way) on happiness and depressive symptoms in comparison with a placebo control exercise (i.e., early memories). A total of 163 females aged 50-79 tried the assigned interventions or the placebo control exercise for one week and completed measures on happiness and depressive symptoms at five times (pre-and post-test, 1, 3, and 6 months). Results: Three out of the four interventions (i.e., gratitude visit, three good things, and using signature strengths in a new way) increased happiness, whereas two interventions (three funny things and using signature strengths in a new way) led to a reduction of depressive symptoms on at one post-measure. Conclusion: Positive psychology interventions yield similar results for people aged 50 and above as for younger people. The dissemination of such interventions via the Internet offers a valuable opportunity for older age groups as well.

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“…Preliminary results indicate that it may be important to choose “healthy” styles of humor that promote positive affect, and that results should be closely monitored 79. It also should be noted that humor is being used as part of psychotherapy, for example in the management of depression 95,96. However, it is not clear whether the humor used needs to be condition-specific.…”

Section: Humor—a Tool For Copingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Laugh Away the Fat? Therapeutic Humor in the Control of Stress-induced Emotional Eating

Bast¹,

Berry²

2014

RMMJ

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This review explores the potential overlap between the fields of nutrition and therapeutic humor, together with the role of humor as a possible tool for aiding those in whom emotions, particularly negative ones, trigger eating as a means to improve mood. We review emotional eating, obesity, and the hypothesized mechanisms of emotional eating. We then review the field of therapeutic humor and its ability to de-stress individuals, possibly through endorphin and opioid systems, both of which are also involved in eating behavior. Finally, we present a novel hypothesis that people may be trained to use humor as a “food substitute” at best, or to blunt hunger stimuli, to achieve similar advantages, without the side effect of weight gain.

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Evaluation of a standardized humor group in a clinical setting: a feasibility study for older patients with depression

Abstract: Our results indicate an additional benefit of this specific therapeutic intervention for older depressed patients.

Cited by 61 publications

References 30 publications

Humor-based online positive psychology interventions: A randomized placebo-controlled long-term trial

Humor-based online positive psychology interventions: A randomized placebo-controlled long-term trial

Positive psychology interventions in people aged 50–79 years: long-term effects of placebo-controlled online interventions on well-being and depression

Laugh Away the Fat? Therapeutic Humor in the Control of Stress-induced Emotional Eating

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