Humor Research Articles

The Role of Inclusive Leadership in Employee Readiness for Organizational Change: The Mediating Role of Leader Humor

The study examines the impact of inclusive leadership on employee preparedness for organizational change, focusing on the mediating role of the leader's sense of humor. This was accomplished by adopting the openness, availability, and accessibility characteristics of inclusive leadership in contrast to the workers' preparedness for organizational change in its cognitive, intention, and emotional dimensions. The leader's one-dimensional style of humor helps to strengthen this bond. A random sample of workers at Al-Abbas' Holy Shrine was chosen as a field of study using a questionnaire containing (156) persons in the research sample department. The (t) test was used to determine the correlation between two variables, while the (F) test was used to determine the significance of the regression model. The straightforward correlation coefficient (Spearman) was also employed. The relative quantity the independent variable contributes to explaining the dependent variable as a percentage was also determined using (R2). The researcher's most important finding is that inclusive leadership significantly influences workers' readiness for organisational change, as mediated by the leader's sense of humor. The study ended with several suggestions, including Al-Ameed University's emphasis on inclusive leadership, a key aspect of its work in general and employee preparedness for organisational change.

Protective factors against parental burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively influenced families across the world and contributed to the likelihood of increased parental burnout and decreased parental psychological well-being. However, not all parents experienced parental burnout during the pandemic. In the current study, we focused on protective factors that buffered the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents and supported parents’ quality of life. Based on previous literature, we hypothesized optimism, humor, and resilience will be associated with lower levels of parental burnout. Two hundred and eighty-one Israeli parents participated in the study, completing questionnaires during the government-mandated lockdown. Questionnaires examined information pertaining to both participants’ personal characteristics (optimism and pessimism, self-enhancing humor, resilience, parental stress, and perceptions of the youngest child’s functioning) and background characteristics (parental age, gender, health condition, socioeconomic status, employment status, and youngest child’s age) to examine the relationship between these variables and parental burnout. Findings indicate that resilience, optimism, and humor facilitated reduced parental burnout and enhanced parental well-being during the pandemic. However, these variables were not associated with parents’ stress perception. This study sheds light on the importance of having an optimistic perspective, positive sense of humor, and resilience at times of prolonged stress. Implications for interventions targeting optimistic attitudes and humor are suggested.

Celebrating a scientist: Josué A. Núñez’s passion for insect physiology, engineering and evolution

On the tenth anniversary of his passing and the hundredth anniversary of his birth, this article honours Josué A. Núñez (1924–2014), a pioneering Argentine biologist remembered for his groundbreaking work in insect physiology and behaviour. Núñez’s seminal papers are recognized for their rigorous experimentation and his skill in crafting instruments. Known for his humility and sense of humour, he taught and conducted research at prestigious institutions worldwide. The article traces Núñez’s career through key milestones, beginning with his foundational studies in insect anatomy and physiology. It then explores his formative years in Buenos Aires, where he conducted innovative independent experiments, and his influential early career research in Germany. Núñez’s initial interest in the relationship between flowers and honeybees developed into a profound exploration at the intersection of biology, evolutionary theory, and engineering principles. A major focus of this tribute is his integration of engineering concepts to examine the roles of honeybees as both nectar carriers and information channels. By emphasizing Núñez’s meticulous data analysis and systemic approach, the article not only highlights his significant contributions but also challenges traditional Eurocentric perspectives, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of global scientific achievements.

Michael Liu’s Magic and Trans to a New Life: yao/trans/queer kinship, documentary mediation, and the NGO gaze

ABSTRACT This article analyzes two strikingly different documentaries by Michael Liu which were included in the “Northeast China Yao-at-work Photography Exhibition” (dongbei yao zhanjie richang in Taipei 2017) on the lives of cross-dressed and transgender (male-to-female) sex workers in Dongbei and the way they discuss their futures and “yao” or “trans” identities differently according to the different modes of documentary employed. In Magic (nü yao er, 2014) we see their practices of everyday life, improvised queer forms of kinship and survival, their dark sense of humor and their business ambitions, whereas in Trans to a New Life (2016) they address their hardships and dreams of the future to the compassionate “NGO gaze” that demands testimonial about being a victim of discrimination (from family members, hospitals, and in employment). Understanding these rhetorical differences helps to intervene in a major debate in contemporary China over the role of NGOs, especially regarding transgender identity, sex work, HIV, and queer forms of kinship. I also connect these recent documentaries to films about queer sex workers in Beijing by Cui Zi’en [2005; 2012. Queer China, “Comrade” China. Brooklyn, NY: dGenerate Films], debates over the testimonial and ethnographic format of an influential U.S. documentary about transgender women of color and sex workers, Jennie Livingston’s Paris Is Burning (1990), and current debates in China and the U.S. over trans cultural production, respectability politics, and the politics of visibility.

Features of the formation of the on-screen communicative personality of a higher school teacher

Importance. The development of audiovisual communication channels in the field of higher education pedagogy makes the issue of forming an effective on-screen image of a teacher and scientist relevant. Building a communicative personality according to screen canons becomes especially significant in the field of distance teaching activities. This study aims to identify the most significant parameters of a teacher’s on-screen communicative personality.Materials and Methods. Based on the analysis of the “Open Education” project of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov, the constant components of a communicative personality transmitted by higher education teachers and ensuring the effectiveness of communication with course students are specified. The research material is audiovisual content of 1540 project programs. The study’s chronological scope is 2023-2024. To achieve the research goals, comparative typological and textological methods, as well as the method of content analysis, are used.Results and Discussion. It is established that the on-screen communicative personality of a higher school teacher’s constant parameters include qualities that develop the status of an expert, namely: the use of dress code standards for a university teacher, exact correspondence of the content of the speech to the stated topic, dominance of the scientific style, pronounced pausing, rich intonation, moderate facial expressions and gestures. Variable attractive parameters include qualities that correlate with the characteristics of network communication: intimate communication, personification, personalisation, game implementation, and a philosophical sense of humour. The qualities that distinguish the communicative personality of a higher school teacher on the screen from the same personality in the audience include a reduction in the frequency of manifestations of the mentoring tone and the absence of edifying elements.Conclusion. The study establishes that effective modelling of an on-screen communicative personality is based on both constant and variable parameters. The former allow the teacher to develop a sense of expertise and compliance with the status of a university teacher, while the latter individualise the learning process.

Resource doll as a means of self-support in art therapy in conditions of war

Introduction. In order to find sources of vitality in art therapy, various types and means of art are widely used, which help the participants of art therapy practices to realize their unique individual life scenarios. A doll, as an anthropomorphic character for an adult, can become a cultural mediator, because it, as a means of psychological transfer, acts as a kind of an individual’s avatar. In art therapy, the creation of a doll and endowment it with symbolic content can fill a person's creative activity with a resourceful life-affirming meaning, especially in the conditions of war. Aim: to analyze the possibilities of a resource doll for teachers in art education as an art therapy personal self-support tool in life crises. Methods: analysis and systematization of literature; theoretical analysis of the problem; analysis of the results of the assignments performed by the trainees of the State Scientific and Methodological Center "Psychological Support by Art Workshop". program. Results. A resource doll was shown to be an effective art therapy tool in providing individuals’ self-support in life crises. The results of the assignments performed by the trainees of the State Scientific and Methodological Center "Psychological Support by Art Workshop". program allowed determining the types of the trainees’ visual images, the most common of which was the Motanka doll, the verbal manifestations that were broadcast by the doll’s "advice" and were related to individuals’ self-support and self-help. The choice of the concept, type, color, and material used for making resource dolls was based on subconscious and conscious processes that reflected the participants' experience and attitude to existing social situations. Conclusions. Creating dolls helped the participants to reveal their inner world, social positions, intellectual qualities, creativity, sense of humor, creative potential in general as psychological self-help potentials. The findings presented in the article may promote a resource doll as an art therapy self-support tool in life crises.

Correlational study on the sense of humor and positive mental health in mental health professionals.

Mental health professionals require exceptional communication skills and the ability to maintain an empathetic and authentic attitude within the therapeutic relationship. It is crucial that they achieve an optimal balance of physical, mental, and social wellbeing to enhance their performance in this context. This necessity has sparked a growing interest in promoting mental health among these professionals by focusing on the evaluation of both Positive Mental Health and the Sense of Humor. To assess the level of sense of humor and positive mental health, and to analyse the relationships between the sense of humor construct, the positive mental health construct, and the sociodemographic, occupational, and educational characteristics of mental health professionals who care for patients in hospital and community settings. An observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional with a non-experimental quantitative approach study has been carried out. The study was conducted involving 130 mental health care professionals. Levels of sense of humor and positive mental health were evaluated using authenticated questionnaires, while the relationship between these two constructs and the sociodemographic, occupational, and training characteristics of health workers were analyzed following STROBE guidelines. The study involved 130 professionals, predominantly women (71.5%), with an average age of 41.4 years. The majority were nurses (45.4%) with varied work experience and educational levels. Regarding the PMHQ questionnaire, an average score of 102.6 was achieved in the general evaluation, showing an insignificant relationship with sociodemographic and occupational variables. However, a significant trend regarding age and autonomy was noted. On the other hand, the Multidimensional Sense of Humor Questionnaire produced an average score of 67.3, also without significant correlations with the variables under scrutiny. Although no positive relationships were found between the general scores of Positive Mental Health Questionnaire and Multidimensional Sense of Humor Questionnaire, a positive correlation emerged between the use of humor and situational control. In summary, the findings suggest that the level of autonomy and the use of humor may be associated with specific sociodemographic and occupational characteristics, although the precise relationship remains complex and requires further research.

What Makes a Social Media User an Opinion Leader? Source Characteristics and Consumers’ Behavioral Intentions

Instagram as a social media platform has gained prominence as the medium of influencer marketing practices targeting consumers of beauty products, yet little is known about source characteristics affecting Instagram opinion leadership resulting in consumers’ purchasing behavior. Thus, this work examines effects of Instagram influencers’ attributes (credibility, attractiveness, innovativeness, and sense of humor) on their perceived opinion leadership and its subsequent impacts on consumers’ behavioral intentions. The research also analyzes complementary moderating effects of parasocial relationship and social identity reinforcing behavioral implications of social media opinion leadership. Empirical results from 202 Instagram followers reveal that credibility, innovativeness, and sense of humor exert positive influence on perceived opinion leadership which subsequently enhances levels of positive word-of-mouth, purchase, and loyalty intentions. Besides, social identity strengthens positive impacts of opinion leadership on consumers’ word-of-mouth and purchase intentions. Thus, the findings not only contribute to the theory of opinion leadership, but have beneficial implications enabling beauty brands to develop effectual social media marketing communication strategies.

Rooted in Family, Exploring the World: The Integrated Identities of Advantaged Guatemalan Adolescents

Adolescents in today’s globalized world construct their identities within complex and intersecting ecologies. In majority world countries, such as Guatemala, adolescents are exposed to external influences through international media, travel, and visitors from other cultures. In this study, 131 middle and high school adolescents (53% girls, Mage = 14.5, range = 11–19) attending a bilingual school in Guatemala completed two quantitative measures (concerning local and remote acculturation and identity domain importance) and two qualitative measures (open-ended responses to the prompt “I am” and an autophotography exercise). The quantitative results showed that cultural affiliation with Guatemala was associated with a collective identity. Qualitative findings provided a deep and complex view of identity in the context of collectivism and global influences. In response to the prompt “I am,” adolescents described themselves as profoundly social, embedded in networks of nuclear and extended family and friends. They reported personal qualities that foster and maintain social bonds, including friendliness, kindness, sincerity, and a sense of humor. Reflexive thematic analysis of the text from the autophotography activity revealed participants’ interdependent self-construals and their developmental model of growth strategies and aspirations. Integration of traditional and global influences was creative and seamless for these adolescents who saw themselves as firmly embedded in family, Guatemala and its culture, while confidently growing and exploring the world. A mixed-methods approach can provide complementary findings that are more meaningful and expansive than either quantitative or qualitative methods alone.

A handbook for Rhythmic Relating in autism: supporting social timing in play, learning and therapy.

We present a handbook for Rhythmic Relating, an approach developed to support play, learning and therapy with young autistic children, unconventional communicators, and autistic people who have additional learning needs. Rhythmic Relating is based on the Movement Sensing perspective, a growing body of research that recognizes that autistic social difficulties stem from more basic sensory and motor differences. These sensorimotor differences directly affect embodied experience and social timing in communication. The Rhythmic Relating approach acknowledges that autistic/non-autistic interactive mismatch goes both ways and offers bidirectional support for social timing and expressive action in play. This handbook is presented in an accessible fashion, allowing the reader to develop at their own pace through three skill-levels and encouraging time out to practice. We begin with the basics of building rapport (seeing, copying, and celebrating interactional behaviors), introduce the basic foundations of sensory stability, and then move on to developing reciprocal play (using mirroring, matching, looping, and "Yes…and" techniques), and further to understanding sensory impetus (using sensory contours, accents and flows) and its potential in support of social timing. Rhythmic Relating is offered in support of each practitioner's creative practice and personal sense of fun and humor in play. The model is offered as a foundation for interaction and learning, as a base practice in schools, for Occupational Therapists, Speech Therapists and Physiotherapists, and can also provide a basis for tailoring creative arts therapies when working with autistic clients.

Does a stronger moral identity lead to a more reserved sense of humor? The influence of moral identity on sense of humor and its underlying psychological mechanisms.

Three studies were conducted to examine the influence of moral identity on sense of humor, employing the benign violation theory (BVT) as a theoretical framework. Study 1 (n = 350), a questionnaire-based survey, aimed to establish a preliminary exploration of the relationship between moral identity and sense of humor. Studies 2 (n = 172) and 3 (n = 172) jointly examined the impact of activated moral identity on sense of humor (humor appreciation, humor sharing) through the recollection and writing task. The results of these studies indicated that the effects of (activated) moral identity on the sense of humor (humor appreciation, humor sharing) were moderated by the type of humor and social distance of the target. On the one hand, high levels of (or activated) moral identity can significantly and positively predict sense of humor (humor appreciation, sharing); on the other hand, when there is a moral violation in the humor, and the target involved is at a close social distance, activated moral identity decreases the humor appreciation and humor sharing, where benign judgment plays a mediating role. These findings enrich the understanding of the complex relationship between moral identity and sense of humor, and have significant theoretical and practical implications.

The relationship between openness to experience and humor production: Exploring the mediating roles of cognitive flexibility and ambiguity tolerance.

The purpose of this study was to examine how individual openness to experience influences humor production and to explore the underlying psychological mechanisms of this relationship, specifically focusing on cognitive flexibility (the cognitive path) and ambiguity tolerance (the motivational path). To comprehensively evaluate individuals' humor production ability, Study 1 employed a subjective self-report questionnaire on sense of humor, while Study 2 used an objective humor dialogue generation task. The results of Study 1 indicated that openness to experience did not directly impact sense of humor; instead, the relationship between openness to experience and sense of humor was fully mediated by cognitive flexibility. In Study 2, findings showed that openness to experience positively predicted humor production ability, with ambiguity tolerance partially mediating this effect. These results suggest that individuals with higher levels of openness to experience have a greater capacity for generating humorous perspectives. Moreover, the study identified two psychological pathways-cognition and motivation-in the process of generating funny ideas. The specific pathway influenced by the measurement method used for humor production further highlights the importance of both cognitive flexibility and ambiguity tolerance in understanding how openness to experience contributes to humor production.

Navigating Data Acquisition and Data Quality Validation of Large Databases: Practical Lessons

ObjectiveHave you ever been frustrated when working to acquire data? Have you experienced the trials and tribulations of readying data? ‘Best laid plans often go awry’. ‘A problem shared is a problem halved’ and we’d like to share our experiences and lessons learned with you. We are a Canadian provincial organization with over 20 years experience working with large comprehensive data currently in the midst of validation work on newly acquired data. This behind the scenes and sometimes forgotten work can take considerable time, but it is crucial and integral for research. ApproachData acquisition is complex, particularly when adding new data to existing data files. Many validation steps are vital to ensuring that data used in research are the highest quality possible and limitations are understood. The process began with preparing the agreement and list of new variables to add in 2018 for 4 databases (hospital, drug, physician, emergency), to signatures in 2023, and it is ongoing. While we have a plan to do this work, it requires flexibility and constant updates based on new information learned. ConclusionInvestigating errors, deciding level of acceptance of errors, managing relationships, and communication are the most critical aspects of the work. Contingency plans are important when it takes longer than expected. Data are never perfect, but a thoughtful approach to validation and documentation of limitations and decisions support using the data appropriately. Also, a kind demeanor, an open mind, and a sense of humour can go a long way!

Shakespear’s Employment of Malapropism in “Much ado about Nothing”and The Merchant of Venice”

Malapropism, according to the Encyclopedia Britannica, is a linguistic mistake occurs when one term is replaced with another that sounds similar but has a different meaning. The current article aims to find out how malapropism is used in Shakespear’s “Much ado about Nothing “and “The Merchant of Venice “and to investigate the most common type of malapropism used in these two plays .The article mainly draws on Fay and Cutler’s(1977) division of malapropism to analyze the selected data. The study concludes that malapropism is used by the plays’ characters basically to create a sense of humor by using a word or a phrase that is different from what they intended to say .It was also found that classical malapropism is the most common used type in both selected plays.

An Interview with Jan Wiener.Conducted by Linda Carter on January 7, 2024.

Jan Wiener is a Society of Analytical Psychology (SAP) trained Jungian analyst and Journal of Analytical Psychology Board member, highly esteemed in Jungian and psychoanalytic circles for her work as a practitioner, teacher, supervisor and writer as well as for her well-honed leadership skills, notably as a member of the executive committee and as a vice-president of the International Association for Analytical Psychology (IAAP), the international organizing body for Jungian analysts worldwide. Jan has made remarkable contributions to the personal and professional development of Jungians not only in the UK but also for those involved in the IAAP Developing Groups programme where she has been a pioneer, providing cross-cultural outreach to those seeking training in Russia, Taiwan, Serbia, Ukraine and Denmark. Success in Jan's many-faceted and full life has been facilitated by a natural authenticity, good sense of humour, hearty laugh and a welcoming attitude; these attributes have significantly aided in bridge-building and opening space for creative interactions within and between individuals and groups. Her development was influenced by a history of parents who fled from Vienna and Berlin to London, escaping persecution by the pre-war Nazi regime. Jan's aunt lived in close proximity and was a child analyst who worked closely with Anna Freud. As a young woman, Jan swam the English Channel and she has always been a sports lover, especially tennis. Her many talents extend to music and she is a trained opera singer who has recently been involved in an affordable educational programme in Cratoule, France, that fosters the expanding growth of amateurs who have the opportunity to learn from more established, experienced attendees. Jan has performed as a singer in addition to presenting her analytic work globally. She has many publications that centre around clinical practice, her forte. Well-known by those who have been in relationship with Jan personally and professionally is her exceptional capacity for presence in the moment while holding the long-view; this capacity as well as an inclusive attitude, perhaps born in part from family history, along with a keen intelligence, intuition and native talent, have led to a life-long commitment to service and generative partnerships that continue to bear fruit amongst those touched by her kind and generous soul.

The narcissist’s sense of humor: a correlational and an experimental ego threat study on the links between narcissism and adaptive and maladaptive humor styles

Previous research has shown that narcissism is linked to both adaptive and maladaptive forms of interpersonally relevant behaviors, such as charm and aggression, respectively. One line of research that uses styles of humor as the outcome variable found that especially grandiose narcissism is positively related to both adaptive affiliative humor (strengthening interpersonal relationships) and maladaptive aggressive humor (making derogatory fun of others) alike. This seemingly contradictory finding may be explained in two ways. First, particular facets of grandiose narcissism may be related solely to adaptive or solely to maladaptive humor. Second, adaptive and maladaptive characteristics may be expressed by a person to varying degrees depending on their current narcissistic state (i.e., whether the self is faced with ego threats or in a relaxed state). To test these assumptions, the present study applied both a correlational approach with multiple measures of narcissism and an experimental approach that used an intelligence-based ego threat task. The correlational results showed that each facet of narcissism showed distinct correlational patterns with adaptive and maladaptive humor styles. The experimental results showed that ego threat moderated the relationships between narcissism and humor styles. For instance, grandiose narcissism was more strongly positively related to affiliative humor in the nonthreatening condition and was more strongly positively related to aggressive humor in the ego threat condition. These results clarify and explain the previous seemingly contradictory findings and support the importance of differentiating between the facets and states of narcissism, highlighting the complexity of the construct.

Exploring the Influence of Live Streamer s Personality and Features on Customer Purchasing Decisions

With the rapid development of e-commerce, live streaming has become an important channel for marketing as an emerging sales model. As the core of this model, the personality and features of the live streamer have a significant impact on the audience s purchasing decisions. This paper analyzes the impact of the live streamers language, behavior, and interaction methods on customer purchase intention by qualitative analysis and observing live streamer videos and social media comments of Dong Yuhui, a best-known live streamer of the Oriental Selection Live Stream. The study found that the live streamer s professionalism, sense of humor, and trustworthiness are key factors that influence customer purchase decisions.

Competence Profile of the Intra-Hospital Emergency Team Nurse: A Scoping Review

Background: Nurses in intra-hospital emergency teams are required to be competent in responding to situations of clinical deterioration and emergency. This study aimed to map the extent, variety, and nature of the literature on the competences of the intra-hospital emergency teams nurse. Methods: A scoping review based on the principles of the Joanna Briggs Institute. The search of the databases was conducted in July and August 2023, and the search strategy was adjusted. The analysis of the relevance of the articles, data extraction, and synthesis were conducted by two reviewers. Discrepancies were resolved by a third reviewer. The data were extracted using the competency outcomes and performance assessment (COPA) model. Results: Fourteen results were analyzed, and the competences organized by the domains of the COPA model which are considered by some authors to be advanced or specialized are as follows: assessment and intervention, communication, critical thinking, teaching, human caring relationships, management, leadership, and knowledge integration. Other competences, such as self-confidence, ability to remain calm, concentration, quick reaction, and a sense of humor, were mentioned. Conclusions: The results highlighted the competences of the intra-hospital emergency team nurse. This knowledge could contribute to educational programs and shape the competency profile of intra-hospital emergency team nurses.

"Śmiechu mi trzeba na te dziwne czasy". Rzecz o Momusie, Apulejuszu, Boccacciu, ośle i stand-upie

The article addresses the issue of laughter as a phenomenon that has a cleansing effect on both individuals and entire communities, allowing for the release of negative emotions and escape from fear, doubt and anxiety. The starting point for the considerations are the adventures of Lucius transformed into a donkey from Apuleius’s Metamorphoses, set in the broader context of the ancient view of laughter and sense of humor, as well as modern practices of laughter treatment (gelotherapy).

Pengaruh Sense of Humor dan Family Support terhadap Academic Burnout pada Mahasiswa di Universitas Negeri Padang

This study aims to examine the effect of sense of humor and family support on academic burnout in students at Padang State University. This study also examines the effect of each independent variable (sense of humor and family support) on the dependent variable (academic burnout). The sample consisted of 340 students at Padang State University taken using the snowball sampling technique. This study used a measuring instrument for academic burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory - Student Survey (MBI-SS), a measuring instrument for family support using The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and a measuring instrument for sense of humor using the Multidimensional Sense of Humor Scale (MSHS). The testing conducted in this study with multiple linear analysis using SPSS Statistic 20.0 for Windows software. The results showed that there was a positive and significant effect of sense of humor and family support on academic burnout.