Humor -- health link even in death
Published: April 10, 2008 at 12:40 AM
WINNIPEG, Manitoba, April 10 (UPI) -- Studies show humor can help boost health, but it may also be key in assisting the terminally ill, a Canadian researcher suggests.
The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, says healthcare staff use humor to not only reduce tension and express frustration, but to connect with patients and make them feel cared for as individuals and reduce their embarrassment.
Study co-author Dr Ruth Dean of the University of Manitoba and colleagues spent spent nearly 300 hours observing and carrying out interviews in an intensive care unit and a palliative care unit.
For example, a patient reported she felt less distressed by an episode of incontinence when the nurse said matter-of-factly "what goes in must come out."
Most staff say humor helps them cope although a nurse observed: "If I'm joking with you, I'm interacting with you. We're talking but I don't ask you what's bugging you ... I'm not really finding out why you're upset." Overall however, humor helped healthcare professionals to connect not only with patients but with each other and shared laughter nurtured a sense of community.
"Our research suggests that nurses and other healthcare professionals don't need to suppress humor," Dean said in a statement.
The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, says healthcare staff use humor to not only reduce tension and express frustration, but to connect with patients and make them feel cared for as individuals and reduce their embarrassment.
Study co-author Dr Ruth Dean of the University of Manitoba and colleagues spent spent nearly 300 hours observing and carrying out interviews in an intensive care unit and a palliative care unit.
For example, a patient reported she felt less distressed by an episode of incontinence when the nurse said matter-of-factly "what goes in must come out."
Most staff say humor helps them cope although a nurse observed: "If I'm joking with you, I'm interacting with you. We're talking but I don't ask you what's bugging you ... I'm not really finding out why you're upset." Overall however, humor helped healthcare professionals to connect not only with patients but with each other and shared laughter nurtured a sense of community.
"Our research suggests that nurses and other healthcare professionals don't need to suppress humor," Dean said in a statement.
© 2008 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
» Next in Health:
U.S. teen drivers involved in 2,541 deaths
Latest Headlines
- Neo-Nazi group thrives on bad economy
- China officials say quake toll near 10,000
- BYU running back out for 2008 season
- MLB: Atlanta 8, Pittsburgh 1 (2nd game)
- MLB: Cleveland 3, Toronto 0 (1st game)
- U.S. corn planting still slow, but gaining
- Slater, GM cars to star in NBC drama
- Bill would benefit vets hurt by chemicals
Most Popular
- China officials say quake toll near 10,000
- Poll: Bush's approval hits all-time low
- FLDS elder complains to Bush about raid
- India special force to fight Maoists
- Poor indoor air quality can trigger asthma
- Outer Critics Circle honors 'August'
- Slater, GM cars to star in NBC drama
- MLB: Cleveland 3, Toronto 0 (1st game)
- UPI NewsTrack Quirks in the News
- British pet psychic helps find lost dog
- Man cuts car in half to make a point
- Speedo-wearing beach bum sues cops
- Baseballs bombard homes; field shut down
- Pastor says to forgive skull pot smokers
- Commander probed in nude shooting case
- Romantic teen runs afoul of girl's dad