Presenter Information

Erin GolgerFollow

Start Date

17-8-2018 10:00 AM

End Date

17-8-2018 11:30 AM

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Research shows that humor is commonly used by health care workers as a coping mechanism to help relieve stress. However, there are limited studies in identifying the type of humor most commonly used by nurses, and which type of humor is most effective at relieving their stress.

Objective: The purpose of this integrative literature review was to identify the different types of humor used by nurses and to explore which type of humor was most effective at relieving stress.

Method: An integrative literature review was used using articles from four different databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Ovid, and ProQuest). The search terms used were: humor, nursing care, wit, humor, nursing, nurse patient relations, communication, qualitative study, gallows humor, dark humor, coping, and stress. The data collected from the chosen research articles were ordered, coded, and categorized into unified and integrated results.

Results: Positive and negative humor were identified as the most common types of humor utilized by nurses. Positive humor was considered playful, optimistic, and self-enhancing. Negative humor was categorized as gallows, sarcastic, and malicious. Positive humor was determined to be more effective at relieving stress, enhancing personal relationships, and contributed to a more productive working environment.

Conclusion: Although humor is considered a universal experience, more research is necessary to expand on the use of humor as a coping mechanism for nurses and the effects it can have on reducing stress.

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Aug 17th, 10:00 AM Aug 17th, 11:30 AM

Effects of Humor to Relieve Stress in Nurses

Abstract

Background: Research shows that humor is commonly used by health care workers as a coping mechanism to help relieve stress. However, there are limited studies in identifying the type of humor most commonly used by nurses, and which type of humor is most effective at relieving their stress.

Objective: The purpose of this integrative literature review was to identify the different types of humor used by nurses and to explore which type of humor was most effective at relieving stress.

Method: An integrative literature review was used using articles from four different databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Ovid, and ProQuest). The search terms used were: humor, nursing care, wit, humor, nursing, nurse patient relations, communication, qualitative study, gallows humor, dark humor, coping, and stress. The data collected from the chosen research articles were ordered, coded, and categorized into unified and integrated results.

Results: Positive and negative humor were identified as the most common types of humor utilized by nurses. Positive humor was considered playful, optimistic, and self-enhancing. Negative humor was categorized as gallows, sarcastic, and malicious. Positive humor was determined to be more effective at relieving stress, enhancing personal relationships, and contributed to a more productive working environment.

Conclusion: Although humor is considered a universal experience, more research is necessary to expand on the use of humor as a coping mechanism for nurses and the effects it can have on reducing stress.

 

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