Fostering humour

Abstract

Research on humour and humour trainings/interventions has preceded the formal foundation of positive psychology. Yet, humour in its benevolent forms [as also operationalised as one of the 24 character strengths in Peterson and Seligman's (2004) classification fits well into the realm of positive psychology and its interventions. The chapter describes current humour interventions stemming from both traditions, humour research and positive psychology. Most interventions have been designed for groups and differ in whether they are delivered in a standardised way (i.e., manuals) or more ad hoc (i.e., clinic clown interventions). Moreover, recent advances have shown the benefits of short-term online self-administered interventions. Yet, future efforts need to concentrate on the concept of humour and its measurement, as well as the development of theoretically based interventions and their evaluation of short- and long-term benefits.