Abstract
To describe the factors influencing the use of humor in nursing care, its applicability and benefits. A scoping review was performed using the Arksey and O'Mally methodology. A search for articles published between 2008 and 2018 was performed using the platforms EBSCO Host, Virtual Health Library and Google Scholar. From the initial 465 articles found, 17 were included for final revision. Data allowed to retrieve information on humor definition; its applicability as a nursing intervention; humor as a tool to improve nurse-patient communication and relationship; influence factors; type of humor interventions; humor benefits in health care context and; limitations and precautions of humor intervention. The use of humor promotes both communication and human interaction; it promotes well-being; helps deal/cope with difficult and unpleasant situations, reduces tension, discomfort and stress; and strengthens the immune system. This intervention should be used with caution.
Highlights
The word“humor”has received many meanings throughout history
In Nursing Intervention Classification (NIC) this intervention is defined as the one that allows nurses to help the person to perceive, appreciate and express what is funny, entertaining or humorous, to establish relationships, relieve tension, release anger and facilitating learning or dealing with painful feelings, with the intention of promoting and maintaining health(5)
To describe the factors influencing the use of humor in nursing care and its applicability; and
Summary
The word“humor”has received many meanings throughout history. one of the more recent definitions refers to it as an emotional state, a state of humor that may be more or less stable, and as an expression of feelings that can promote well-being in a person(1-3).The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH) defines “Therapeutic humor is any intervention that promotes health and wellness by stimulating a playful discovery, expression or appreciation of the absurdity or incongruity of life’s situations”(4).In Nursing Intervention Classification (NIC) this intervention is defined as the one that allows nurses to help the person to perceive, appreciate and express what is funny, entertaining or humorous, to establish relationships, relieve tension, release anger and facilitating learning or dealing with painful feelings, with the intention of promoting and maintaining health(5).Humor and laughter are intertwined, mutually influenced, yet they are not synonyms. One of the more recent definitions refers to it as an emotional state, a state of humor that may be more or less stable, and as an expression of feelings that can promote well-being in a person(1-3). In Nursing Intervention Classification (NIC) this intervention is defined as the one that allows nurses to help the person to perceive, appreciate and express what is funny, entertaining or humorous, to establish relationships, relieve tension, release anger and facilitating learning or dealing with painful feelings, with the intention of promoting and maintaining health(5). Humor and laughter are intertwined, mutually influenced, yet they are not synonyms. Humor is an emotional response and can be translated by joy and laughter. These are influenced by a context or situation; they cannot be discussed separately(1-3)
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