11/4: The Role of Humor in PCC - Julie

Question 1

What are 4 potential problems with humor?

Answer 1

empowerment
sensitivity - laugh too soon
avoidance
not a replacement for proven treatments/sound medical advice

Question 2

what purposes does humor serve between patients? providers?

Answer 2

alleviate pain, make light of a heavy situation, social bonding, tension release

Question 3

surprise-liberation theory

Answer 3

inherently fluid commitment or orientation; surprising deviation

Question 4

humor in patients illness experience

Answer 4

ex. comedian with cancer (video in class) made jokes about his cancer

Question 5

mike birbiglia - sleepwalking comedian

Answer 5

was in denial, describes interactions with providers with humor sort of made his condition a joke even though at one point he almost died. Problems could be he may make too light of the situation and people with this issue may get offended or not get help

Question 6

“if there were no laughter, it would be much more painful, I think”

Answer 6

mike birbiglia - sleepwalker

Question 7

what are some positive aspects of humor in illness

Answer 7

• higher life satisfaction and less physiological and psychological distress
• cope w/ difficult situations
• more endearing to others
• achieve cognitive distance and perspective

Question 8

Norm Macdonald

Answer 8

comedian - talked about how people with cancer are “fighters” but what does that make them when they die? losers? should stop putting that pressure on people.

Question 9

how does humor help patient & providers communicate

Answer 9

enhance relationship; mitigate discomfort; makes treatment less threatening; emphasize Dr.’s power; informal/positive environment

Question 10

must be able recognize differences in some situations for example:

Answer 10

physical therapy unit; breast care center; doctors office; know the situation and be able to feel out appropriate humor

Question 11

code=

Answer 11

collection of maxims or moral orders that guides the behavior of participants within a speech community

Question 12

the code of dignity

Answer 12

maintaining individuality/dignity of patient

Question 13

aspects of the code of dignity

Answer 13

creating a nonthreatening environment; avoiding technical jargon and clinical terms; sidestepping an adversarial role; catering to a patient’s wishes; making light of face-threatening situations; congratulating patients

Question 14

the code of compassion

Answer 14

considering it compassionate to (good-humoredly) challenge/provoke a patient/provider to become more cooperative, attentive, or communicative

Question 15

aspects of the code of compassion

Answer 15

encouraging patients to cooperate; displaying a sense of intimacy or familiarity; campaigning for attention and individuality; keeping the patients spirits up