Humor In Medicine Flashcards
4 theories of humor
Superiority theory: humor is found in failure, illness or pain (bullying) developed by Hobbes
Incongruity theory: punchline is incongruous with the set-up Developed by Kant
Relief of release theory: humor is response to nervous energy and masks motives. Developed by Freud
Humor health hypothesis: humor and laughter are positively related heath.
Direct physical benefits of humor
Improved arterial and venous circulation
Reduces vascular inflammation
Improves NK cell activity
Decreased cortisol secretion
Improved pain tolerance and reduced tension
research limitations of humor in medicine
How to measure humor?
What kind of humor to measure?
Lack of groups and sample sizes
Poor statistical analysis
Reasons patients use humor
Denial of facts
Expression of frustration
Common themes in humor w/ patients
Reminiscing
Patient role
Relating common experiences
Levels of cynicism
Med student > intern > resident > attending
Theories of cynicism
Intergenerational transmission model: response to having cynicism done towards yourself, so you start using it.
Professional identity model: trying to cope w/ realities via using cynicism
Risk factors for developing negative humor/cynicism
Poor understanding of learning process
Role models are poor
Poor coping skills
Poor Social skills
Can’t adjust to new cultures and hierarchy
Increases burn out
Appropriate and inappropriate use of humor
Never use cynicism
Don’t joke about sensitive topics
Punchline should not involve patient
Punchline should not involve the profession itself
If it is abusive to any person in the clinical healthcare setting, do not use it
Relief theory
Physicians who use humor regularly in communication w/ others have improved coping efficacy
Gallows humor
Dark humor that often rides the line of appropriate and inappropriate
- usually used for things we cant control
- relief and incongruity theories
