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Published in: Community Mental Health Journal 6/2014

01-08-2014 | Original Paper

Humour-Related Interventions for People with Mental Illness: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Authors: Abraham Rudnick, Paul M. Kohn, Kim R. Edwards, David Podnar, Sara Caird, Rod Martin

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 6/2014

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Abstract

This study explored the feasibility and effects of humour-related interventions for mentally ill adults. Twelve, randomly assigned, participated in each of 3 arms—stand up comedy training (the experimental arm), discussing comedy videos (the active control arm), and no humour-related intervention (the passive control arm). Quantitative and qualitative data were collected at baseline, end of interventions (3 months) and follow up (after another 3 months). Scale comparisons were largely negative, although self-esteem marginally increased in the experimental arm. Interview responses indicated benefits for the interventions, including improved self-esteem in the experimental arm. These results, though mixed, justify further study.
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Metadata
Title
Humour-Related Interventions for People with Mental Illness: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors
Abraham Rudnick
Paul M. Kohn
Kim R. Edwards
David Podnar
Sara Caird
Rod Martin
Publication date
01-08-2014
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 6/2014
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-013-9685-4

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