- Monaco
- University of Derby, Health Psychology, Alumnusadd
- Health Psychology, Laughter, Health benefits of laughter, Gelotology, Humour, Mixed Methods Research, and 73 moreHappiness and Well Being, Subjective Well-Being, Psychological well-being, Psychology Of Happiness, Humor and laughter in education, Sociology Humor Laughter Theory Review, Wellbeing, Well-Being, Health Sciences, Occupational Health & Safety, Healthy Aging, Healthy Lifestyles, Humor, Humour Studies, Health and Social Care, Emotion, Emotion Regulation, Emotions (Social Psychology), Emotional intelligence, Positive Psychology, Evaluation, Health and Wellbeing, Health, Intervention, Health benefits of adult playfulness and laughter, Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review, Systematic Reviews, Systematic review, Measurement and Evaluation, Humor (Psychology), Humor psychology, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Integrative and Complementary Medicine, Social Gerontology, Traditional Medicine, Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Self-help, Self-Efficacy, Self-regulation, Psychology, Social Psychology, Medicine, Medical Sciences, Education, Sociology, Public Health, Biology, Social Sciences, Health Promotion, Mental Health, Medicina, General medicine, Health Care Management, Public Health Policy, Occupational Health, Workplace health and safety, Research Methodology, Qualitative methodology, Social Research Methods and Methodology, Research Methods and Methodology, Quantitative Methods, Methodology and Review of Related Literature, Qualitative Research Methods, Methodology, Design Methods, Qualitative Methods, Early Intervention, Occupational health and safety, Health and Fitness, Philosophy of Science, Educational Technology, and Coffeeedit
- PhD Psychology; MSc; MBA IMD. Interests: health psychology, coffee, laughter, humour, well-being, healthy aging, methodology, behavioral economicsedit
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to meet Mary Kay Morrison, an active member and past president of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH). Design/methodology/approach This case study is presented in two sections:... more
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to meet Mary Kay Morrison, an active member and past president of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH).
Design/methodology/approach
This case study is presented in two sections: an autobiography of Mary Kay Morrison, followed by a ten-question interview.
Findings
Mary Kay recommends exploration of the benefits of humor and laughter for mental health professionals. In recognition of the need for clarifying terminology, she coined the terms Humergy, which is joyful, optimistic, healthy energy and Humordoomer, which denotes a person who zaps that energy from us. Her work includes exploring the five stages of Humor Development as a significant factor in understanding cognitive development.
Research limitations/implications
This is a personal narrative, albeit from an educator who has been active in the field of applied and therapeutic humor for over 30 years.
Practical implications
Humor and laughter research is recommended to explore their use in optimizing mental health. Mary Kay endorses expanding pioneering work in therapeutic humor as a treatment for anxiety and depression. She shares recommendations for humor practice in both prevention of mental health challenges and as a viable treatment for anxiety and depression.
Social implications
Three humor benefits with particular social applications are highlighted. Humor facilitates communication, creates an optimal learning environment and supports change.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case study about Mary Kay Morrison, Past President of the AATH and founder of the AATH Certified Humor Professional program.
The purpose of this paper is to meet Mary Kay Morrison, an active member and past president of the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH).
Design/methodology/approach
This case study is presented in two sections: an autobiography of Mary Kay Morrison, followed by a ten-question interview.
Findings
Mary Kay recommends exploration of the benefits of humor and laughter for mental health professionals. In recognition of the need for clarifying terminology, she coined the terms Humergy, which is joyful, optimistic, healthy energy and Humordoomer, which denotes a person who zaps that energy from us. Her work includes exploring the five stages of Humor Development as a significant factor in understanding cognitive development.
Research limitations/implications
This is a personal narrative, albeit from an educator who has been active in the field of applied and therapeutic humor for over 30 years.
Practical implications
Humor and laughter research is recommended to explore their use in optimizing mental health. Mary Kay endorses expanding pioneering work in therapeutic humor as a treatment for anxiety and depression. She shares recommendations for humor practice in both prevention of mental health challenges and as a viable treatment for anxiety and depression.
Social implications
Three humor benefits with particular social applications are highlighted. Humor facilitates communication, creates an optimal learning environment and supports change.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case study about Mary Kay Morrison, Past President of the AATH and founder of the AATH Certified Humor Professional program.
Research Interests:
Gelotology (the study of laughter) has it seems mainly evaded the attention of longevity scientists, positive biologists, and geroscientists. However, the potential of laughter to result in immediate improved affect, increase overall... more
Gelotology (the study of laughter) has it seems mainly evaded the attention of longevity scientists, positive biologists, and geroscientists. However, the potential of laughter to result in immediate improved affect, increase overall well-being, reduce cortisol levels, benefit the immune system, and support cardiovascular health, to name only a few of its possible effects, renders it of high interest as an anti-aging strategy. As an intervention, laughter has, at least theoretically, the potential to slow the process of aging, and to ameliorate its lived experience. What makes laughter particularly attractive is that it is accessible to all, is very low risk, and is inherently, for most people, enjoyable. Ten years ago, lifestyle medics first proposed that laughter be prescribed in primary care. They pointed to its efficacy in general patient care, geriatrics, rheumatology, critical care, oncology, rehabilitation, psychiatry, home care, palliative care, terminal care, and hospice care. Nevertheless, laughter prescription has been slow to take off. It is therefore of interest to contemplate why, how, and to what effect, laughter can be harnessed to improve people's lives. Quality research is recommended to uncover the secrets of laughter, its dynamic effects on the body, if, and how, it may impact longevity, and how it can best be used to promote successful and active aging.
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This article relates to the potential of applied laughter in social science. Here, we explore the "Laughie Challenge Australia." This community-based mental health initiative aims to get Australians laughing. We invite its instigator to... more
This article relates to the potential of applied laughter in social science. Here, we explore the "Laughie Challenge Australia." This community-based mental health initiative aims to get Australians laughing. We invite its instigator to discuss it, using a pragmatic qualitative research approach, Invited Collaborative Autoethnography (ICAE). Our purpose is to gain insight into the rationale and practicalities of using laughter to alleviate community mental health issues. Thus, we use ICAE instrumentally as a discourse platform to build understanding through joint narrative with a view of facilitating laughter community-science research collaborations. We recount the "story" of the Laughie Challenge, and the meeting of two academics and a community laughter leader, with a shared interest in the healing power of laughter and "realworld" laughter applications. ICAE enabled transparent, in-depth discourse. It has resulted in citizen science research to further advance knowledge in this area.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr Madan Kataria, the founder and creator of Laughter Yoga. Design/methodology/approach This case study is presented in two sections: a transcribed autobiography of Madan Kataria, followed by a... more
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr Madan Kataria, the founder and creator of Laughter Yoga. Design/methodology/approach This case study is presented in two sections: a transcribed autobiography of Madan Kataria, followed by a ten-question interview with him. Findings The popularity of Laughter Yoga (LY) has spread from a handful of people since 1995 to a global movement with tens of thousands of people who commune in person and online, laughing for the health of it. Research limitations/implications This is a personal narrative, albeit from someone who has been at the forefront of using intentional laughter for well-being for 30 years. Practical implications LY promotes an array of physical, psychological and emotional health outcomes that does not rely on humour or jokes to stimulate laughter. It is a beneficial resource suited for use in vulnerable population groups, including people experiencing depression or anxiety. Social implications The LY methodology is suited ...
Research Interests: Psychology, Mental Health, Narrative, Laughter, Anxiety, and 4 morePopulation, Popularity, Originality, and ANXIETY
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr Madan Kataria, the founder and creator of Laughter Yoga. Design/methodology/approach This case study is presented in two sections: a transcribed autobiography of Madan Kataria, followed by a... more
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr Madan Kataria, the founder and creator of Laughter Yoga. Design/methodology/approach This case study is presented in two sections: a transcribed autobiography of Madan Kataria, followed by a ten-question interview with him. Findings The popularity of Laughter Yoga (LY) has spread from a handful of people since 1995 to a global movement with tens of thousands of people who commune in person and online, laughing for the health of it. Research limitations/implications This is a personal narrative, albeit from someone who has been at the forefront of using intentional laughter for well-being for 30 years. Practical implications LY promotes an array of physical, psychological and emotional health outcomes that does not rely on humour or jokes to stimulate laughter. It is a beneficial resource suited for use in vulnerable population groups, including people experiencing depression or anxiety. Social implications The LY methodology is suited ...
Research Interests:
Purpose This paper aims to elicit insight on how humour may support mental health from Arthur Asa Berger, Professor Emeritus at San Francisco State University, author of more than 150 articles and 90 books, many on humour and humorous... more
Purpose This paper aims to elicit insight on how humour may support mental health from Arthur Asa Berger, Professor Emeritus at San Francisco State University, author of more than 150 articles and 90 books, many on humour and humorous artist. Design/methodology/approach This case study, followed by a 10-question interview, intentionally embraces visual autobiography to present Arthur’s creative humorous contributions. Findings Arthur conveys the importance of humour, not so much from joke-telling, which can be problematic, but in fun conversations, witty remarks and puns. We learn of his 45 humour techniques, and ways to apply humour in teaching, writing and drawing for therapeutic benefit. Research limitations/implications This is a personal narrative, albeit from someone who has been academically and personally involved with humour for over 60 years. Practical implications Evidence of the benefits of humour for mental health is mounting. Appreciating and harnessing humour, includi...
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to engage with, and elicit insights from, Merv Neal, a laughter professional, on the use of laughter to benefit mental health. Design/methodology/approach This case study is presented in two sections:... more
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to engage with, and elicit insights from, Merv Neal, a laughter professional, on the use of laughter to benefit mental health. Design/methodology/approach This case study is presented in two sections: a biography of Merv Neal, followed by a ten-question interview with him. Findings Many insights on laughter are shared. Merv lists five benefits for mental health: laughter brings you into the present moment; laughter is a distraction; laughter breaks negative thought patterns; laughter silences the inner critical voice; and laughter brings joy. Research limitations/implications This is a personal narrative, albeit from someone who has professionally used laughter to support mental health issues for over 15 years. Practical implications Laughter can be beneficial to support mental health. More evidence for its impact on mental health is needed. Prescribing laughter has been largely overlooked as a way to harness laughter for mental health to date. I...
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Whether you’re a new Public Health teacher/faculty just starting out or a professor looking to use humor for your next “serious” lecture, this book is for you. This book is NOT about boring academic theories. Reading it, not only will you... more
Whether you’re a new Public Health teacher/faculty just starting out or a professor looking to use humor for your next “serious” lecture, this book is for you. This book is NOT about boring academic theories. Reading it, not only will you learn how to discover practical humor techniques and teaching strategies to dramatically improve your sense of humor, you’ll also have plenty of healthy laughs along the way. This book will help you develop techniques for leveraging humor and take action to improve your teaching immediately today. Top contributing professors in this book will answer your hundreds of questions such as: Why is humor effective in teaching healthcare topics? How to teach on-line with humor? How to address isolation brought about by on-line teaching? (Chapter 1); Why (and how to) teach improv to healthcare practitioners over Zoom? What is the �?golden rule’ about improv? (Chapter 2); How to use humor as a pedagogical tool in public health? How make use of situations and simulation games, and twist them into humor? (Chapter 3); Is humor in health education a laughing matter? How to think from big to small to entertain and educate your students? (Chapter 4); Why (and how to) teach more effectively through the application of humor and laughter to healthcare students? How to promote creativity and enhance short-term memory? How to reduce stress? (Chapter 5); What are the types of humor and what are the strategies for using humor? How to avoid bad humor? (Chapter 6); What is the (natural) link between humor and healthcare? What are the technical tips to use humor more effectively? (Chapter 7); How to teach students the use of humor with traumatized individuals? (Chapter 8); What are the little-known tips about writing jokes for your class? (Chapter 9); Exactly how to teach with a sense of humor? What humor techniques to use in the class and how? (Chapter 10); Why and laughter helps learning? How to use comedy in the classroom? How to use online humor? (Chapter 11); What is your own sense of humor? Can you translate this sense of humor to engage your audience? How to “keep it simply simple”? (Chapter 12); Exactly how to use humor techniques such as funny quotes, definitions, and abbreviations to infuse humor into your writing and presentation or lecture. (Chapter 13). If you want to minimize the teacher burnout and improve your teaching effectiveness, you could hire a bunch of professional development consultants – or you could just read this book.N/
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Research Interests: Cultural Heritage, Etymology, Ethiopian Studies, Coffee, Persian Language, and 13 moreCulture, Sasanian History, Aksumite Archaeology, Pre-Islamic Persian History, Sasanian Empire, Language and Etymology, Arabian/Persian Gulf Studies, Ethiopian History, Coffee Culture, Geez language, Coffea arabica, Ge Ez, and Ethiopian Coffee
Traditionally, positive psychology (PP) considers humour as one of 24 character strengths and associates it with the core virtue of transcendence, a view perpetuated in Second Wave PP. We debate the need for a wider conceptualisation of... more
Traditionally, positive psychology (PP) considers humour as one of 24 character strengths and associates it with the core virtue of transcendence, a view perpetuated in Second Wave PP. We debate the need for a wider conceptualisation of humour and a more pragmatic recognition of its benefits and applications within the framework of Third Wave PP. Anecdotal and observational findings relating to the use of humour during the Covid-19 pandemic are considered. We draw on empirical research revealing the diverse benefits of humour and laughter in different cultural settings, including during lockdown. Using examples, including Covid-19 humour, we contend that the depiction of beneficial humour in PP is incomplete, for example, it relates not only to transcendence but to all six core virtues, and misleading as it may not necessarily relate to any. A more practical and broader depiction of humour within Third Wave PP would be helpful, including emphasising the potential of multiple character strengths to support humour development. In particular, we highlight the need for laughter, currently viewed as a by-product of humour within PP, to play a more prominent role. Widening the portrayal of humour and laughter in PP will be helpful to value and harness their individual, and joint, benefits and applications. In this chapter, we call for Third Wave PP to encourage new research directions by embracing the complexity of humour as 1) an interlinked character strength; 2) associated to all core virtues; 3) benefitting overall personal development; and 4) differentiated from but co-equal to laughter.N/
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Excel spreadsheet raw data for STAR, version 1.
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• Calls for a practical laughter prescription to harness the natural and free benefits of laughter have been made by the medical community 1. • A systematic review 2 of the effects of laughter interventions on well-being identified a... more
• Calls for a practical laughter prescription to harness the natural and free benefits of laughter have been made by the medical community 1. • A systematic review 2 of the effects of laughter interventions on well-being identified a range of confounding factors. • The Laughie was therefore developed as a practical prescription. Its laughter-only focus enables laughter's effects on well-being to be explored. • The Laughie uses self-induced solo laughter to widen its self-care application: no social interaction is needed, and humour is not necessary. • This research developed and tested the Laughie. It is the first study to evaluate the feasibility of a laughter prescription to improve well-being in healthy adults. • The Laughie was feasible, enjoyable, and effective as a laughter prescription in eliciting laughter, and in increasing well-being used 3 x a day over one week. • Smart laughter (laughing in a smart way, for a smart reason, on a smartphone) is a convenient way to harness the benefits of laughter. • Four smart laughter techniques to support effective Laughie usage were identified; laughing for a reason can include for health, happiness, energy, or relaxation. • Laughter can be self-contagious. Laughter appears to have a personal development function and the use of the Laughie as a self-care tool merits further exploration. BACKGROUND Laughie: A one-minute recording of your own laughter on a smartphone. To use it you play the recording while laughing simultaneously with it. Aim: To evaluate participant experiences of the Laughie and its effect on eliciting laughter and increasing well-being. • Mixed method design using a convenience sample of 22 healthy adults (6 male) aged 25 to 93 [x = 51; SD = 20] • Participants were shown how to create a Laughie and instructed to laugh with their Laughie 3 x a day for 7 days, documenting their laughter and well-being • Well-being was measured prior to and post-intervention using the World Health Organization (WHO five-item) well-being index. Interviews using open-ended questions explored the Laughie experience.
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Our study explored: 1) the feasibility of prescribing laughter to university students; 2) the efficacy of the prescription on creativity, well-being, affect, and academic efficacy; and 3) the practicality of the Applied Creativity Test... more
Our study explored: 1) the feasibility of prescribing laughter to university students; 2) the efficacy of the prescription on creativity, well-being, affect, and academic efficacy; and 3) the practicality of the Applied Creativity Test (ACT) conceived for this study. A convenience sample of healthy students (n = 70) aged 18 to 28 (78% female; M = 21.6) was randomized to experimental or control conditions. Experimental participants (n = 29) were prescribed to laugh 3x a day for a week with their Laughie (a one-minute recording, on their smartphone, of their laughter). The intervention was planned and evaluated using FRAME-IT (Feasiblity, Reach-out, Acceptability, Maintenance, Effectiveness, Implementation, Tailorability). Data measures included ACT, Wallach-Kogan Creativity Test (WKCT), Kaufman Domains of
Research Interests: Psychology, Cognitive Science, Models of Creativity & of Creative Processes, Creativity, Laughter, and 13 moreGroup Creativity, Humor and laughter in education, Creative Arts Therapy, Critical Thinking and Creativity, Wellbeing, Mindfulness and Psychological Wellbeing, Efficacy, Creative Behavior, Novelty, Academic Self Efficacy, Consciousness and Creativity, Play and Creativity in the Curriculum, and Medical prescription
This database provides the full reference list used in the following scoping review: Laughter and humour for personal development: A systematic scoping review of the evidence doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101144
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The preservation of luxury offerings over time is not evident. Here, we consider the factors that may have contributed to their successful evolution in Monaco. To frame our theoretical discussion, we lean on observations, behavioural... more
The preservation of luxury offerings over time is not evident. Here, we consider the factors that may have contributed to their successful evolution in Monaco. To frame our theoretical discussion, we lean on observations, behavioural economics, and several models that may support insight. The conversion of Monaco into a luxury resort stemmed from a visionary nineteenth century greenfield project. The creation of enticing, exceptional, and elusive offerings attracted a new clientele. The principality was transformed into a haven of luxury. It remains one to this day. As luxury offerings mature, the need to continue to provide innovative products and services is amplified by the challenge to preserve, and at times remove, infrastructure, products, and services. Environmental, economic, and social sustainability must also be addressed. These factors can seem incompatible. Yet in Monaco, they are managed harmoniously. We explore this phenomenon through the lens of three forces that can impact luxury offerings over their life cycle: creation (creating new offerings), preservation (preserving existing infrastructure, products, and services), and removal (removing offerings). We conclude that complementary management of the forces of creation, preservation, and removal can foster the longevity of luxury offerings, when guided by principles of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The overall objective of this article is to widen the debate relating to the long-term and sustainable evolution of luxury markets.
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Narrative reviews offer a flexible way to report intervention results and comprise the majority of reviews published in top medical journals. However variations in their transparency pose evaluation challenges, compromising their value... more
Narrative reviews offer a flexible way to report intervention results and comprise the majority of reviews published in top medical journals. However variations in their transparency pose evaluation challenges, compromising their value and potentially resulting in research wastage. Calls have been made to reduce the number of narrative reviews published. Others argue narrative reviews provide an important platform and should even be placed on an equal footing to systematic reviews. We believe narrative intervention reviews can provide a vital perspective when transparent, and thus support Systematic Transparency Assessment in Intervention Reviews (STAIR). This research evaluates the transparency of 172 health-related narrative and literature reviews (K = 172), by assessing how they communicate information about the interventions they review. Eight points supporting transparency, relating to sample sizes, traceability, article numbers, and references, were assessed. Half of the reviews reported on at least four of the eight points, but 24% reported on none. Only 56% of the reviews clearly communicated full references. The STAIR* (Sample sizes, Traceability, Article numbers, Intervention numbers, References*) checklist comprises five sections, and nine points. It is proposed as a convenient tool to address STAIR and complement existing review guidelines to assist authors in planning, reviewers in evaluating, and scholars in utilising narrative reviews. The objectives of STAIR* are to: 1) encourage narrative review transparency and readability, 2) facilitate the incorporation of narrative reviews results into other research; and 3) enrich narrative review methodology with a checklist to guide, and evaluate, intervention reviews.
Research Interests: Research Methodology, Narrative, Urban And Regional Planning, Medicine, Applied Economics, and 12 moreLiterature Review, Intervention, Psychological Intervention, Checklist, Readability, Systematic review, Health related research, Public health systems and services research, Interventions, Guidance and Counseling Intervention Programs, Medical Interventions, and Narrative Review
Theories relating to healthy and successful aging do not specifically cater for the oldest-old. This predominantly theoretical research considers the relevance of existing healthy and successful aging theories in the oldest-old. It... more
Theories relating to healthy and successful aging do not specifically cater for the oldest-old. This predominantly theoretical research considers the relevance of existing healthy and successful aging theories in the oldest-old. It explores a small sample of interviews of independently living oldest-old using Differential Qualitative Analysis. The Activity Theory and the Disengagement Theory were particularly relevant to investigate differences. The Engage-Disengage model was conceived as a pragmatic holistic model to address specific challenges facing the oldest-old. Engage-Disengage reflects attainable healthy and successful aging in the oldest-old according to individual abilities (intrinsic physical and mental capacities), values, and external resources (social, material, and environmental).N/
Research Interests: Psychology, Health Psychology, Health Sciences, Geriatrics, Gerontology, and 11 moreAging, Adult Development And Aging, Ageing and Health, Aging & the life course, Wellbeing, Older Adults, Healthy Aging, Quality of life in older age, Public health systems and services research, Successful Aging, and Geriatrics and Gerontology
Differential qualitative analysis (DQA) was developed as a pragmatic qualitative health methodology for the exploration of individual differences, behaviours, and needs within heterogeneous samples. Existing qualitative methodologies tend... more
Differential qualitative analysis (DQA) was developed as a pragmatic qualitative health methodology for the exploration of individual differences, behaviours, and needs within heterogeneous samples. Existing qualitative methodologies tend to emphasise the identification of general principles, an approach that can lead to standardised treatment, care, and medicine. DQA emphasises the identification of individual variation, in order to inform personalised healthcare. DQA comprises an accessible three-stage approach: first individual profiles are explored and differentiated into research-relevant subgroups; then each subgroup is analysed, and findings identified; finally, the data is analysed in its entirety and overall and subgroup findings are presented. DQA was developed as a new qualitative approach to: (1) emphasise the identification of person and patient-centered findings; (2) facilitate the analysis of sample heterogeneity, including variation in responses and intervention outc...
Research Interests: Psychology, Health Psychology, Health Sciences, Social Sciences, Mixed Methods, and 15 moreQualitative methodology, Qualitative Methods, Integrative Medicine, Health Care, Qualitative Health Research, Qualitative Research, Qualitative Research Methods, Qualitative Methodologies, The qualitative report, Psychological Intervention, Social and Behavioral Sciences, Qualitative Analysis, Medicine and Health Sciences, Person Centered Research, and Patient centered Research
Background: The appearance of grey hair can be unwelcome at any age and have far reaching implications. Canities can impact self-esteem, and result in the application of harmful products. In Unani medicine Coffea Arabica is said to stain... more
Background: The appearance of grey hair can be unwelcome at any age and have far reaching implications. Canities can impact self-esteem, and result in the application of harmful products. In Unani medicine Coffea Arabica is said to stain hair dark brown and mask all grey, but no research investigating these claims was found. Objective: A preliminary exploration to test the efficacy of coffee to stain hair dark brown, and mask all grey, and to evaluate its feasibility and acceptability. Materials and methods: A concentrated solution of instant coffee (100% Arabica) was applied externally to hair up to once a day over seven months. This autobiographical pre-pilot study (n = 2; Ages 54 and 57) was evaluated using the Feasibility, Reach-out, Acceptability, Maintenance, Efficacy, Implementation, Tailorability (FRAME-IT) framework. Results: A coffee colour tone was apparent, but coverage was only partial. Individual hairs ranged from dark brown to light brown to grey. The overall effect was darker. Coffee solution, applied to hair as a wash and spray, was feasible, acceptable, and effective in visually reducing greyness for a nuanced and natural look. Additional benefits to hair, and also to scalp and skin conditions were observed. Conclusion: Coffee did not uniformly stain hair dark brown; its effect on grey was nuanced. Participants found it to be a low-risk, inexpensive, convenient alternative, and appreciated the nuanced look. A pilot-study and testing in wider populations, with different levels of greyness is recommended, as is the identification of a low-risk mordant to address colour permanency.
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Research Interests: Psychology, Positive Psychology, Health Psychology, Laughter, Personal Development, and 11 moreEvaluation, Health, Mixed Methods Research, Happiness and Well Being, Well Being, Intervention, Exploratory Research, Health and Wellbeing, Health benefits of adult playfulness and laughter, Gelotology, and Medical and Health Sciences
Research Interests: Psychology, Humor, Laughter, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Medicine, and 13 moreHappiness and Well Being, Wellbeing, Systematic Reviews, Population, Humour, Psychological Intervention, Systematic review, Adults, Subjective Well Being, Guidance and Counseling Intervention Programs, Meta Analysis and Systematic Review, Gelotology, and confounding
Purpose: The purpose of this opinion piece is to present a case for the potential of positive autoethnography as a new autoethnographic approach. Design: This work resulted from ongoing discussions between the authors as to the... more
Purpose: The purpose of this opinion piece is to present a case for the potential of positive autoethnography as a new autoethnographic approach. Design: This work resulted from ongoing discussions between the authors as to the practicalities and benefits of associating the qualitative approach of autoethnography with the field of positive psychology. Findings: Positive autoethnography (PosAE) is proposed to encourage writers to actively reflect on the importance for themselves, and their readers, of including positive narrative elements, prospective visions and exploratory trajectories in their work. Originality: This is the first time the creation of an autoethnographic approach explicitly linked to positive psychology has been proposed. Research limitations/implications: This research builds on existing research that has included positive psychology in autoethnography. As positive psychology is grounded in empirical research, we are suggesting that PosAE is allied to pragmatic autoethnography (PAE). Practical implications: Positive autoethnography offers to facilitate positive thought, affect and strategies that could improve well-being. For example, some people struggling with serious health issues, and those helping them, may find it useful for articulating conditions and envisioning, even experiencing, positive change.
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Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr. Madan Kataria, the founder and creator of Laughter Yoga. Design/methodology/approach: This case study is presented in two sections: a transcribed autobiography of Madan Kataria,... more
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr. Madan Kataria, the founder and creator of Laughter Yoga.
Design/methodology/approach: This case study is presented in two sections: a transcribed autobiography of Madan Kataria, followed by a ten-question interview with him. Findings: The popularity of Laughter Yoga has spread from a handful of people in 1995 to a global movement with tens of thousands of people who commune in person and online, laughing for the health of it. Research limitations/implications: This is a personal narrative, albeit from someone who has been at the forefront of using intentional laughter for well-being for thirty years. Practical implications: Laughter Yoga promotes an array of physical, psychological, and emotional health outcomes that does not rely on humour or jokes to stimulate laughter. It is a beneficial resource suited for use in vulnerable population groups including people experiencing depression or anxiety. 2 Social implications: The Laughter Yoga methodology is suited to people of all ages and abilities, enhancing mental health, decreasing stress levels and growing social connections and community through the universal language of laughter. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case study and interview with Dr Kataria that delves into his personal background, outlining his motivation and experience behind founding Laughter Yoga internationally.
Design/methodology/approach: This case study is presented in two sections: a transcribed autobiography of Madan Kataria, followed by a ten-question interview with him. Findings: The popularity of Laughter Yoga has spread from a handful of people in 1995 to a global movement with tens of thousands of people who commune in person and online, laughing for the health of it. Research limitations/implications: This is a personal narrative, albeit from someone who has been at the forefront of using intentional laughter for well-being for thirty years. Practical implications: Laughter Yoga promotes an array of physical, psychological, and emotional health outcomes that does not rely on humour or jokes to stimulate laughter. It is a beneficial resource suited for use in vulnerable population groups including people experiencing depression or anxiety. 2 Social implications: The Laughter Yoga methodology is suited to people of all ages and abilities, enhancing mental health, decreasing stress levels and growing social connections and community through the universal language of laughter. Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case study and interview with Dr Kataria that delves into his personal background, outlining his motivation and experience behind founding Laughter Yoga internationally.
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Purpose: To elicit insight on how humour may support mental health from Arthur Asa Berger, Professor Emeritus at San Francisco State University, author of more than 150 articles and 90 books, many on humour; and humorous artist.... more
Purpose: To elicit insight on how humour may support mental health from Arthur Asa Berger, Professor Emeritus at San Francisco State University, author of more than 150 articles and 90 books, many on humour; and humorous artist.
Design/methodology/approach: This case study, followed by a ten-question interview, intentionally embraces visual autobiography to present Arthur’s creative humorous contributions.
Findings: Arthur conveys the importance of humour, not so much from joke-telling, which can be problematic, but in fun conversations, witty remarks and puns. We learn of his 45 humour techniques, and ways to apply humour in teaching, writing, and drawing for therapeutic benefit.
Research limitations/implications: This is a personal narrative, albeit from someone who has been academically and personally involved with humour for over 60 years.
Practical implications: Evidence for the benefits of humour to mental health is mounting. Appreciating and harnessing humour, including with the 45 humour techniques, whenever you can, is recommended.
Social implications: Humour supports relationship building and social inclusion. Social humour is best when it amuses others, offers positive insights into social relationships, and is life affirming to both the humorist and their audience.
Originality: Arthur was the first to publish a PhD dissertation on a comic strip, and has been at the vanguard of humour application in teaching, academic writing, drawing, popular comedy and humorous murder mysteries for decades. Arthur will be 90 years old in 2023.
Design/methodology/approach: This case study, followed by a ten-question interview, intentionally embraces visual autobiography to present Arthur’s creative humorous contributions.
Findings: Arthur conveys the importance of humour, not so much from joke-telling, which can be problematic, but in fun conversations, witty remarks and puns. We learn of his 45 humour techniques, and ways to apply humour in teaching, writing, and drawing for therapeutic benefit.
Research limitations/implications: This is a personal narrative, albeit from someone who has been academically and personally involved with humour for over 60 years.
Practical implications: Evidence for the benefits of humour to mental health is mounting. Appreciating and harnessing humour, including with the 45 humour techniques, whenever you can, is recommended.
Social implications: Humour supports relationship building and social inclusion. Social humour is best when it amuses others, offers positive insights into social relationships, and is life affirming to both the humorist and their audience.
Originality: Arthur was the first to publish a PhD dissertation on a comic strip, and has been at the vanguard of humour application in teaching, academic writing, drawing, popular comedy and humorous murder mysteries for decades. Arthur will be 90 years old in 2023.
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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to engage with, and elicit insights from, Merv Neal, a laughter professional, on the use of laughter to benefit mental health. Design/methodology/approach This case study is presented in two sections:... more
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to engage with, and elicit insights from, Merv Neal, a laughter professional, on the use of laughter to benefit mental health. Design/methodology/approach This case study is presented in two sections: a biography of Merv Neal, followed by a ten-question interview with him. Findings Many insights on laughter are shared. Merv lists five benefits for mental health: laughter brings you into the present moment; laughter is a distraction; laughter breaks negative thought patterns; laughter silences the inner critical voice; and laughter brings joy. Research limitations/implications This is a personal narrative, albeit from someone who has professionally used laughter to support mental health issues for over 15 years. Practical implications Laughter can be beneficial to support mental health. More evidence for its impact on mental health is needed. Prescribing laughter has been largely overlooked as a way to harness laughter for mental health to date. Investigating how and when to prescribe laughter for mental health is recommended. Social implications Mental health issues can vary enormously, but loneliness is often involved. Encouraging social laughter is therefore important, including, surprisingly perhaps, by also practicing laughing alone. Laughter, accessible to all, presents itself as a free and easy way to support community mental health. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case study and interview with a long-standing laughter professional on the topic of laughter and mental health.
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Our study explored: 1) the feasibility of prescribing laughter to university students; 2) the efficacy of the prescription on creativity, well-being, affect, and academic efficacy; and 3) the practicality of the Applied Creativity Test... more
Our study explored: 1) the feasibility of prescribing laughter to university students; 2) the efficacy of the prescription on creativity, well-being, affect, and academic efficacy; and 3) the practicality of the Applied Creativity Test (ACT) conceived for this study. A convenience sample of healthy students (n = 70) aged 18 to 28 (78% female; M = 21.6) was randomized to experimental or control conditions. Experimental participants (n = 29) were prescribed to laugh 3x a day for a week with their Laughie (a one-minute recording, on their smartphone, of their laughter). The intervention was planned and evaluated using FRAME-IT (Feasiblity, Reach-out, Acceptability, Maintenance, Effectiveness, Implementation, Tailorability). Data measures included ACT, Wallach-Kogan Creativity Test (WKCT), Kaufman Domains of
Research Interests: Models of Creativity & of Creative Processes, Laughter, Group Creativity, Humor and laughter in education, Creative Arts Therapy, and 6 moreCritical Thinking and Creativity, Wellbeing, Role of Humour and Laughter in Education; Tapping Into the 'Inner Wizard as Way of Achieving Outstanding Teaching and Learning, Mindfulness and Psychological Wellbeing, Efficacy, and academic self-efficacy
Our study explored: 1) the feasibility of prescribing laughter to university students; 2) the efficacy of the prescription on creativity, well-being, affect, and academic efficacy; and 3) the practicality of the Applied Creativity Test... more
Our study explored: 1) the feasibility of prescribing laughter to university students; 2) the efficacy of the prescription on creativity, well-being, affect, and academic efficacy; and 3) the practicality of the Applied Creativity Test (ACT) conceived for this study. A convenience sample of healthy students (n = 70) aged 18 to 28 (78% female; M = 21.6) was randomized to experimental or control conditions. Experimental participants (n = 29) were prescribed to laugh 3x a day for a week with their Laughie (a one-minute recording, on their smartphone, of their laughter). The intervention was planned and evaluated using FRAME-IT (Feasiblity, Reach-out, Acceptability, Maintenance, Effectiveness, Implementation, Tailorability). Data measures included ACT, Wallach-Kogan Creativity Test (WKCT), Kaufman Domains of
Research Interests:
Narrative reviews offer a flexible way to report intervention results and comprise the majority of reviews published in top medical journals. However variations in their transparency pose evaluation challenges, compromising their value... more
Narrative reviews offer a flexible way to report intervention results and comprise the majority of reviews published in top medical journals. However variations in their transparency pose evaluation challenges, compromising their value and potentially resulting in research wastage. Calls have been made to reduce the number of narrative reviews published. Others argue narrative reviews provide an important platform and should even be placed on an equal footing to systematic reviews. We believe narrative intervention reviews can provide a vital perspective when transparent, and thus support Systematic Transparency Assessment in Intervention Reviews (STAIR). This research evaluates the transparency of 172 health-related narrative and literature reviews (K = 172), by assessing how they communicate information about the interventions they review. Eight points supporting transparency, relating to sample sizes, traceability, article numbers, and references, were assessed. Half of the reviews reported on at least four of the eight points, but 24% reported on none. Only 56% of the reviews clearly communicated full references. The STAIR* (Sample sizes, Traceability, Article numbers, Intervention numbers, References*) checklist comprises five sections, and nine points. It is proposed as a convenient tool to address STAIR and complement existing review guidelines to assist authors in planning, reviewers in evaluating, and scholars in utilising narrative reviews. The objectives of STAIR* are to: 1) encourage narrative review transparency and readability, 2) facilitate the incorporation of narrative reviews results into other research; and 3) enrich narrative review methodology with a checklist to guide, and evaluate, intervention reviews.
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This systematic scoping review presents evidence from 52 primary research articles for the beneficial, and sustainable, use of coffee in personal care products. The identification and evaluation of natural ingredients that harbor... more
This systematic scoping review presents evidence from 52 primary research articles for the beneficial, and sustainable, use of coffee in personal care products. The identification and evaluation of natural ingredients that harbor bioactive compounds capable of supporting healthy personal care and protecting and improving the appearance and condition of skin and hair is topical. Demand for natural and sustainable ingredients in beauty and personal care products is driving growth in a market valued at over $500 billion. Coffee, as one of the world's favorite beverages, is widely studied for its internal benefits. External benefits, however, are less known. Here the potential of coffee and its by-products as ingredients in cosmetic and personal care formulations is explored. Diverse applications of a range of bioactive compounds from the coffee bean, leaves, and by-products, are revealed. Research is evaluated in light of economic and environmental issues facing the coffee industry...
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�?Creativity is intelligence having fun’ (Anonymous) The link between creativity and humor is often made, and Arthur Koestler has suggested1 humour is one of three domains of creativity (together with discovery and art). Here we will... more
�?Creativity is intelligence having fun’
(Anonymous)
The link between creativity and humor is often made, and Arthur Koestler has suggested1 humour is one of three domains of creativity (together with discovery and art). Here we will investigate the link, and embark on a voyage of discovery alleviated by some jokes. The above quote is erroneously attributed to Einstein, yet as it is popular and feel-good, so let us play with it. As Einstein said �?the creative principle (of science) lies in mathematics’2, and by considering the quote as a formula (i.e. if x = y, then y = x) it appears that �?intelligence having fun is creativity’. Then if we equate �?intelligence having fun’ to �?humor’ it appears that creativity and humor are synonymous. Could this be the case? Let us see.
(Anonymous)
The link between creativity and humor is often made, and Arthur Koestler has suggested1 humour is one of three domains of creativity (together with discovery and art). Here we will investigate the link, and embark on a voyage of discovery alleviated by some jokes. The above quote is erroneously attributed to Einstein, yet as it is popular and feel-good, so let us play with it. As Einstein said �?the creative principle (of science) lies in mathematics’2, and by considering the quote as a formula (i.e. if x = y, then y = x) it appears that �?intelligence having fun is creativity’. Then if we equate �?intelligence having fun’ to �?humor’ it appears that creativity and humor are synonymous. Could this be the case? Let us see.
Research Interests:
This systematic scoping review presents evidence from 52 primary research articles for the beneficial, and sustainable, use of coffee in personal care products. The identification and evaluation of natural ingredients that harbor... more
This systematic scoping review presents evidence from 52 primary research articles for the beneficial, and sustainable, use of coffee in personal care products. The identification and evaluation of natural ingredients that harbor bioactive compounds capable of supporting healthy personal care and protecting and improving the appearance and condition of skin and hair is topical. Demand for natural and sustainable ingredients in beauty and personal care products is driving growth in a market valued at over $500 billion. Coffee, as one of the world's favorite beverages, is widely studied for its internal benefits. External benefits, however, are less known. Here the potential of coffee and its by-products as ingredients in cosmetic and personal care formulations is explored. Diverse applications of a range of bioactive compounds from the coffee bean, leaves, and by-products, are revealed. Research is evaluated in light of economic and environmental issues facing the coffee industry. Many of the 25 million smallholder coffee farmers live in poverty and new markets may assist their economic health. Coffee by-products are another industry-wide problem, accounting for 8 million tons of residual waste per year. Yet these by-products can be a rich source of compounds. Our discussion highlights phenolic compounds, triacylglycerols, and caffeine for cosmetic product use. The use of coffee in personal care products can benefit consumers and industry players by providing natural, non-toxic ingredients and economic alternatives and environmental solutions to support sustainability within the coffee production chain. Database searches identified 772 articles. Of those included (k = 52), a minority (k = 10; N = 309) related to clinical trials and participant studies. Applications were classified, using the PERSOnal Care products and ingredients classification (PERSOC). Sustainability potential was evaluated with the Coffea Products Sustainability (COPS) model. Overall objectives of the systematic scoping review were to: (1) scope the literature to highlight evidence for the use of coffee constituents in externally applied personal care products, and (2) critically evaluate findings in view of sustainability concerns.
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How to laugh more You don't have to wait to be amused, there are ways to train yourself to enjoy the 'cheap medicine' of laughter every day by Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky Need to know In the film Mary Poppins (1964), Uncle Albert extols the... more
How to laugh more You don't have to wait to be amused, there are ways to train yourself to enjoy the 'cheap medicine' of laughter every day by Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky Need to know In the film Mary Poppins (1964), Uncle Albert extols the benefits of laughter in his song 'I Love to Laugh': 'The more I laugh/the more I fill with glee/And the more the glee/The more I'm a merrier me!' As a gelotologist-someone who studies laughter (not ice cream!)-I know he was on to something. Laughing is one of the best things you can do to cheer yourself up. So much so that I actively make a habit to laugh regularly-and I think you should, too.
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Traditionally, positive psychology (PP) considers humour as one of 24 character strengths and associates it with the core virtue of transcendence, a view perpetuated in Second Wave PP. We debate the need for a wider conceptualisation of... more
Traditionally, positive psychology (PP) considers humour as one of 24 character strengths and associates it with the core virtue of transcendence, a view perpetuated in Second Wave PP. We debate the need for a wider conceptualisation of humour and a more pragmatic recognition of its benefits and applications within the framework of Third Wave PP. Anecdotal and observational findings relating to the use of humour during the Covid-19 pandemic are considered. We draw on empirical research revealing the diverse benefits of humour and laughter in different cultural settings, including during lockdown. Using examples, including Covid-19 humour, we contend that the depiction of beneficial humour in PP is incomplete, for example, it relates not only to transcendence but to all six core virtues, and misleading as it may not necessarily relate to any. A more practical and broader depiction of humour within Third Wave PP would be helpful, including emphasising the potential of multiple character strengths to support humour development. In particular, we highlight the need for laughter, currently viewed as a by-product of humour within PP, to play a more prominent role. Widening the portrayal of humour and laughter in PP will be helpful to value and harness their individual, and joint, benefits and applications. In this chapter, we call for Third Wave PP to encourage new research directions by embracing the complexity of humour as 1) an interlinked character strength; 2) associated to all core virtues; 3) benefitting overall personal development; and 4) differentiated from but co-equal to laughter.
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Ethiopia is the cradle of coffee culture, yet early evidence for it is scant. Does the Ge’ez word for coffee reveal clues? I propose an etymological link to the Zorastrian Emperor of Persia, Khosrow I (or II), reflecting contemporaneous... more
Ethiopia is the cradle of coffee culture, yet early evidence for it is scant. Does the Ge’ez word for coffee reveal clues? I propose an etymological link to the Zorastrian Emperor of Persia, Khosrow I (or II), reflecting contemporaneous Aksumite �?anti-coffee’ sentiments.
Ge’ez, used in Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo liturgy since the fourth century, is traced to the first century emergence of Aksum(1). Ge’ez for coffee is Etse Kusra/Khusra (Etse=plant)(2). Few early manuscripts exist(1). The fifteenth century Dǝrsanä Ṣǝyon probably reflects earlier traditions: coffee is described as �?a devilish evil tree’; kusra as traded with Moslems but strictly forbidden for Christians(3).
Tadesse(2) links kusra to Asian words, including eunuch. In Persian, kusra can mean �?the habit of drinking much wine’(4). Semantic shifts from �?wine’ to �?coffee’ are noted in other languages. Alternatively, or concomitantly, the origin could be a name. Likely an enemy: kusra shares the Ge’ez consonants of �?abominable’(3).
Khosrow I �?Anushirvan’ was a powerful enemy in the sixth century, so was his grandson Khosrow II �?Parviz’ in the seventh. Transliterations of Khosrow include �?Khusrau’(5) and �?Khusra’(6). Furthermore, Anushirvan likely knew of coffee. He ousted Aksum from Yemen, and actively sought out medical knowledge from other cultures(5).
Ge’ez, used in Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo liturgy since the fourth century, is traced to the first century emergence of Aksum(1). Ge’ez for coffee is Etse Kusra/Khusra (Etse=plant)(2). Few early manuscripts exist(1). The fifteenth century Dǝrsanä Ṣǝyon probably reflects earlier traditions: coffee is described as �?a devilish evil tree’; kusra as traded with Moslems but strictly forbidden for Christians(3).
Tadesse(2) links kusra to Asian words, including eunuch. In Persian, kusra can mean �?the habit of drinking much wine’(4). Semantic shifts from �?wine’ to �?coffee’ are noted in other languages. Alternatively, or concomitantly, the origin could be a name. Likely an enemy: kusra shares the Ge’ez consonants of �?abominable’(3).
Khosrow I �?Anushirvan’ was a powerful enemy in the sixth century, so was his grandson Khosrow II �?Parviz’ in the seventh. Transliterations of Khosrow include �?Khusrau’(5) and �?Khusra’(6). Furthermore, Anushirvan likely knew of coffee. He ousted Aksum from Yemen, and actively sought out medical knowledge from other cultures(5).
Research Interests:
Theories relating to healthy and successful aging do not specifically cater for the oldest-old. This predominantly theoretical research considers the relevance of existing healthy and successful aging theories in the oldest-old. It... more
Theories relating to healthy and successful aging do not specifically cater for the oldest-old. This predominantly theoretical research considers the relevance of existing healthy and successful aging theories in the oldest-old. It explores a small sample of interviews of independently living oldest-old using Differential Qualitative Analysis; the Activity Theory and the Disengagement Theory were particularly relevant. The Engage-Disengage model was conceived as a pragmatic holistic model to address specific challenges facing the oldest-old. Engage-Disengage reflects attainable healthy and successful aging in the oldest-old according to individual abilities (intrinsic physical and mental capacities), values, and external resources (social, material, and environmental).
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The preservation of luxury offerings over time is not evident. Here, we consider the factors that may have contributed to their successful evolution in Monaco. To frame our theoretical discussion, we lean on observations, behavioural... more
The preservation of luxury offerings over time is not evident. Here, we consider the factors that may have contributed to their successful evolution in Monaco. To frame our theoretical discussion, we lean on observations, behavioural economics, and several models that may support insight. The conversion of Monaco into a luxury resort stemmed from a visionary nineteenth century greenfield project. The creation of enticing, exceptional, and elusive offerings attracted a new clientele. The principality was transformed into a haven of luxury. It remains one to this day. As luxury offerings mature, the need to continue to provide innovative products and services is amplified by the challenge to preserve, and at times remove, infrastructure, products, and services. Environmental, economic, and social sustainability must also be addressed. These factors can seem incompatible. Yet in Monaco, they are managed harmoniously. We explore this phenomenon through the lens of three forces that can impact luxury offerings over their life cycle: creation (creating new offerings), preservation (preserving existing infrastructure, products, and services), and removal (removing offerings). We conclude that complementary management of the forces of creation, preservation, and removal can foster the longevity of luxury offerings, when guided by principles of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The overall objective of this article is to widen the debate relating to the long-term and sustainable evolution of luxury markets.
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The Principality of Monaco is a city state nestled on the shores of the Mediterranean. Synonymous with luxury, it provides an engaging haven from where to investigate a range of luxury markets and embrace our homo economicus alter ego.... more
The Principality of Monaco is a city state nestled on the shores of the Mediterranean. Synonymous with luxury, it provides an engaging haven from where to investigate a range of luxury markets and embrace our homo economicus alter ego. Behavioral economics is concerned with how psychology can influence economics; here this perspective is considered in sectors with long-standing associations to Monaco: gambling, hotels and hospitality, haute cuisine, automobiles, and yachting. The Elusive, Exceptional, Enticing (EEE) model was conceived to provide a framework for discussion and facilitate insight into the behavioural economics underpinning luxury markets.
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Insight into the early spread of coffee culture is hampered due to limited sources and uncertainty if they refer to coffea, or another plant. A playful source for debate in coffeaology (the study of coffea) is Arcimboldo's 1590... more
Insight into the early spread of coffee culture is hampered due to limited sources and uncertainty if they refer to coffea, or another plant. A playful source for debate in coffeaology (the study of coffea) is Arcimboldo's 1590 masterpiece: Vertumnus (1). The earliest 'western' depictions of coffee appear to be in 1574 by Charles de l'Ecluse (Clusius), while botantist of Maximilian II (2) , and 1592 by Venetian botanist Prospero Alpini (3). Neither is detailed, but accompanying text enables identification of Alpini's berryfree coffee tree (observed in Cairo); Clusius mentions the 'furrow' in his beans (obtained
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Objectives This research is the first study to investigate the potential effects of a laughter prescription on both psychological health and objective sleep parameters in university students. The primary objective is to evaluate the... more
Objectives
This research is the first study to investigate the potential effects of a laughter prescription on both psychological health and objective sleep parameters in university students. The primary objective is to evaluate the feasibility of prescribing laughter to inform a larger randomised controlled trial. Secondary objectives are to assess if a two-week laughter prescription improves subjective and objective sleep outcomes, wellbeing, and/or psychological health outcomes.
Trial design
To assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial for laughter prescription in relation to sleep, psychological health, and wellbeing. Forty university students will be recruited and randomised to one of two conditions (control/experimental).
Methods
Wrist actigraphy and sleep diaries will be used to estimate sleep outcomes during a one-week baseline testing phase and across the two-week intervention. The experimental group will be shown how to record a Laughie (a 1-min recording of their joyful laughter on their smartphone) and prescribed to laugh with it three times daily for 14 days (the control group will only track sleep). All participants will complete the WHO (Five) Well-being Index, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale pre- and post-intervention. The CONSORT checklist, and the Feasibility, Reach-out, Acceptability, Maintenance, Efficacy, Implementation, and Tailorabilty (FRAME-IT) framework will guide intervention planning and evaluation. Participant interviews will be analysed using Differential Qualitative Analysis (DQA).
Results
The feasibility of a two-week laughter prescription in university students and its impact on sleep, wellbeing, and/or psychological health outcomes will be assessed.
Conclusions
Zayed University Research Ethics Committee approved the study in July 2019. The research will be completed following protocol publication.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov. ID: NCT04171245. Date of registration: 18 October 2019.
This research is the first study to investigate the potential effects of a laughter prescription on both psychological health and objective sleep parameters in university students. The primary objective is to evaluate the feasibility of prescribing laughter to inform a larger randomised controlled trial. Secondary objectives are to assess if a two-week laughter prescription improves subjective and objective sleep outcomes, wellbeing, and/or psychological health outcomes.
Trial design
To assess the feasibility of a randomised controlled trial for laughter prescription in relation to sleep, psychological health, and wellbeing. Forty university students will be recruited and randomised to one of two conditions (control/experimental).
Methods
Wrist actigraphy and sleep diaries will be used to estimate sleep outcomes during a one-week baseline testing phase and across the two-week intervention. The experimental group will be shown how to record a Laughie (a 1-min recording of their joyful laughter on their smartphone) and prescribed to laugh with it three times daily for 14 days (the control group will only track sleep). All participants will complete the WHO (Five) Well-being Index, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale pre- and post-intervention. The CONSORT checklist, and the Feasibility, Reach-out, Acceptability, Maintenance, Efficacy, Implementation, and Tailorabilty (FRAME-IT) framework will guide intervention planning and evaluation. Participant interviews will be analysed using Differential Qualitative Analysis (DQA).
Results
The feasibility of a two-week laughter prescription in university students and its impact on sleep, wellbeing, and/or psychological health outcomes will be assessed.
Conclusions
Zayed University Research Ethics Committee approved the study in July 2019. The research will be completed following protocol publication.
Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov. ID: NCT04171245. Date of registration: 18 October 2019.
Research Interests:
Background: The appearance of grey hair can be unwelcome at any age and have far reaching implications. Canities can impact self-esteem, and result in the application of harmful products. In Unani medicine Coffea Arabica is said to stain... more
Background: The appearance of grey hair can be unwelcome at any age and have far reaching implications. Canities can impact self-esteem, and result in the application of harmful products. In Unani medicine Coffea Arabica is said to stain hair dark brown and mask all grey, but no research investigating these claims was found.
Objective: A preliminary exploration to test the efficacy of coffee to stain hair dark brown, and mask all grey, and to evaluate its feasibility and acceptability.
Materials and methods: A concentrated solution of instant coffee (100% Arabica) was applied externally to hair up to once a day over seven months. This autobiographical pre-pilot study (n = 2; Ages 54 and 57) was evaluated using the Feasibility, Reach-out, Acceptability, Maintenance, Efficacy, Implementation, Tailorability (FRAME-IT) framework.
Results: A coffee colour tone was apparent, but coverage was only partial. Individual hairs ranged from dark brown to light brown to grey. The overall effect was darker. Coffee solution, applied to hair as a wash and spray, was feasible, acceptable, and effective in visually reducing greyness for a nuanced and natural look. Additional benefits to hair, and also to scalp and skin conditions were observed.
Conclusion: Coffee did not uniformly stain hair dark brown; its effect on grey was nuanced. Participants found it to be a low-risk, inexpensive, convenient alternative, and appreciated the nuanced look. A pilot-study and testing in wider populations, with different levels of greyness is recommended, as is the identification of a low-risk mordant to address colour permanency.
Objective: A preliminary exploration to test the efficacy of coffee to stain hair dark brown, and mask all grey, and to evaluate its feasibility and acceptability.
Materials and methods: A concentrated solution of instant coffee (100% Arabica) was applied externally to hair up to once a day over seven months. This autobiographical pre-pilot study (n = 2; Ages 54 and 57) was evaluated using the Feasibility, Reach-out, Acceptability, Maintenance, Efficacy, Implementation, Tailorability (FRAME-IT) framework.
Results: A coffee colour tone was apparent, but coverage was only partial. Individual hairs ranged from dark brown to light brown to grey. The overall effect was darker. Coffee solution, applied to hair as a wash and spray, was feasible, acceptable, and effective in visually reducing greyness for a nuanced and natural look. Additional benefits to hair, and also to scalp and skin conditions were observed.
Conclusion: Coffee did not uniformly stain hair dark brown; its effect on grey was nuanced. Participants found it to be a low-risk, inexpensive, convenient alternative, and appreciated the nuanced look. A pilot-study and testing in wider populations, with different levels of greyness is recommended, as is the identification of a low-risk mordant to address colour permanency.
Research Interests:
Introduction: The accessibility of laughter and humour make them attractive choices for self-care, and integrative medicine. There is a growing body of literature, but both fields are fragmented and the overall evidence has not been... more
Introduction: The accessibility of laughter and humour make them attractive choices for self-care, and integrative medicine. There is a growing body of literature, but both fields are fragmented and the overall evidence has not been systematically reviewed. The relationship between health and personal development is increasingly recognized. This review scopes the evidence for laughter and humour interventions from the perspective of their potential benefits on personal development.
Methods: A systematic scoping review used Joanna Briggs guidelines and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews Scoping Review extension (PRISMA-ScR). All-population laughter and humour interventions described in primary and secondary research from 1970, and in English, were searched in Web of Science and PubMed/Medline.
Results: Analysis of 240 primary research articles (k), and 11 systematic reviews (K), identified k = 564 discrete articles with studies involving 574,611 participants (n). Twelve large studies (n >15,000) contributed 77% of participants. Classification analysis found more research relating to humour (k = 445, n = 334,996) than laughter (k = 119, n = 239,615) and identified diverse personal development outcomes associated with Biological, Psychological, Social, Environmental, and Behavioural (BPSE-B) factors.
Conclusion: This review presents growing evidence for the diverse applications and benefits of laughter and humour. Multiple opportunities for self-care and interventional applications are described. The consideration of personal development outcomes may support tailored applications according to specific needs and objectives. An umbrella Personal Development Theory of laughter and humour, inclusive humour and laughter definitions, and a humour-laughter-affect model are proposed to unify the fields.
Key words: laughter; humor; humour and laughter interventions; systematic scoping review; personal development
Methods: A systematic scoping review used Joanna Briggs guidelines and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews Scoping Review extension (PRISMA-ScR). All-population laughter and humour interventions described in primary and secondary research from 1970, and in English, were searched in Web of Science and PubMed/Medline.
Results: Analysis of 240 primary research articles (k), and 11 systematic reviews (K), identified k = 564 discrete articles with studies involving 574,611 participants (n). Twelve large studies (n >15,000) contributed 77% of participants. Classification analysis found more research relating to humour (k = 445, n = 334,996) than laughter (k = 119, n = 239,615) and identified diverse personal development outcomes associated with Biological, Psychological, Social, Environmental, and Behavioural (BPSE-B) factors.
Conclusion: This review presents growing evidence for the diverse applications and benefits of laughter and humour. Multiple opportunities for self-care and interventional applications are described. The consideration of personal development outcomes may support tailored applications according to specific needs and objectives. An umbrella Personal Development Theory of laughter and humour, inclusive humour and laughter definitions, and a humour-laughter-affect model are proposed to unify the fields.
Key words: laughter; humor; humour and laughter interventions; systematic scoping review; personal development
Research Interests:
Differential qualitative analysis (DQA) was developed as a pragmatic qualitative health methodology for the exploration of individual differences, behaviours, and needs within heterogeneous samples. Existing qualitative methodologies tend... more
Differential qualitative analysis (DQA) was developed as a pragmatic qualitative health methodology for the exploration of individual differences, behaviours, and needs within heterogeneous samples. Existing qualitative methodologies tend to emphasise the identification of general principles, an approach that can lead to standardised treatment, care, and medicine. DQA emphasises the identification of individual variation, in order to inform personalised healthcare. DQA comprises an accessible three-stage approach: first individual profiles are explored and differentiated into research-relevant subgroups; then each subgroup is analysed, and findings identified; finally, the data is analysed in its entirety and overall and subgroup findings are presented. DQA was developed as a new qualitative approach to: (1) emphasise the identification of person and patient-centered findings; (2) facilitate the analysis of sample heterogeneity, including variation in responses and intervention outcomes; (3) provide a convenient, pragmatic, systematic, and transparent methodology; (4) bridge the qualitative-quantitative divide with a mutually accessible approach. DQA may be particularly relevant for mixed methods research, early-stage interventions, and research exploring personalised and patient-centred care, and integrative medicine.
Research Interests:
• Calls for a practical laughter prescription to harness the natural and free benefits of laughter have been made by the medical community 1. • A systematic review 2 of the effects of laughter interventions on well-being identified a... more
• Calls for a practical laughter prescription to harness the natural and free benefits of laughter have been made by the medical community 1. • A systematic review 2 of the effects of laughter interventions on well-being identified a range of confounding factors. • The Laughie was therefore developed as a practical prescription. Its laughter-only focus enables laughter's effects on well-being to be explored. • The Laughie uses self-induced solo laughter to widen its self-care application: no social interaction is needed, and humour is not necessary. • This research developed and tested the Laughie. It is the first study to evaluate the feasibility of a laughter prescription to improve well-being in healthy adults. • The Laughie was feasible, enjoyable, and effective as a laughter prescription in eliciting laughter, and in increasing well-being used 3 x a day over one week. • Smart laughter (laughing in a smart way, for a smart reason, on a smartphone) is a convenient way to harness the benefits of laughter. • Four smart laughter techniques to support effective Laughie usage were identified; laughing for a reason can include for health, happiness, energy, or relaxation. • Laughter can be self-contagious. Laughter appears to have a personal development function and the use of the Laughie as a self-care tool merits further exploration. BACKGROUND Laughie: A one-minute recording of your own laughter on a smartphone. To use it you play the recording while laughing simultaneously with it. Aim: To evaluate participant experiences of the Laughie and its effect on eliciting laughter and increasing well-being. • Mixed method design using a convenience sample of 22 healthy adults (6 male) aged 25 to 93 [x = 51; SD = 20] • Participants were shown how to create a Laughie and instructed to laugh with their Laughie 3 x a day for 7 days, documenting their laughter and well-being • Well-being was measured prior to and post-intervention using the World Health Organization (WHO five-item) well-being index. Interviews using open-ended questions explored the Laughie experience.
Research Interests:
A pre-print of Chapter 5 in 'Lead with a Sense of Humor'
Research Interests:
A pre-print of Chapter 7 in Teach Public Health with a Sense of Humor;
https://bit.ly/public-health-humor
https://bit.ly/public-health-humor
