A phenomenological investigation of humor in psychotherapy

The purpose of this study was to develop a thematic category system, which described the phenomena of humor and laughter In psychotherapy as experienced by the psychotherapist. In order to accomplish this, an empirical, phenomenologlcal methodology was utilized. Ten articulate and experienced psychotherapists were Interviewed about "funny or humorous" Incidents that occurred In psychotherapy.

Data analysis was accomplished by clustering similar thematic content Into a smaller number of more Inclusive themes. This ultimately resulted In a thematic category system consisting of two major and eight minor themes. These Included:

I. Therapeutic Qualities of Humor In Psychotherapy

A. Intimacy and the Therapeutic Relationship

B. Diagnostic and Prognostic Aspects of Patient Humor

C. Using Humor for Psychotherapeutic Change

II. Specific Qualities of Humor Occurring In Psychotherapy

A. Figure Ground Reversals and Other Odd Figures

B. Spontaneity

C. Playfulness

D. Bodily and Affective Experiences

E. Temporal Aspects: Brevity and Rate

Particular methodological Issues of this study were explored. Specific Issues discussed Included: phenomenologlcal methodology, the semistructured nature of the research Interview, characteristics of participants in this study, as well as the use of this particular methodology with narrative data. The results of this investigation were also discussed in terms of their relevance to the existing clinical, theoretical and empirical literature on humor in psychotherapy. It was discovered that the existing literature seemed to emphasize the psychotherapeutic aspects of humor in psychotherapy, rather than of humor per se. Interestingly, the participants of this study also maintained a similar focus. Hence aspects of the first major theme were found to be more easily related to the existing literature than aspects of the second major theme were. Finally the clinical implications of this study (i.e., such as the advantages and dangers of using humor) were discussed.