Published in:
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.