Humor and Health

The research program examines the effects of exposure to humor, and the role of sense of humor as a trait in reactions to potentially stressful situations.  The primary questions being addressed are:  Can exposure to humor counteract or prevent the negative emotional consequences of experiencing stressful events?  Is there a stable personal quality (sense of humor or cheerfulness) which facilitates using humor to avoid stress?

A secondary area involves identifying the perceived personality implications of sense of humor as a personal quality.  What qualities do others assume are associated with sense of humor.  Given that having a sense of humor is a highly valued personal quality, are there other qualities that most people believe are likely to be common in those with a good sense of humor.

Representative Research

Mussman, S., Clontz, C.M., Cann, A., & Calhoun, L. G.  (1993).  Humor and depression: Is laughter good medicine?  Paper presented at Southeastern Psychological Association Convention, Atlanta.

Cann, A., Calhoun, L. G., & Banks, J. S.  (1997).  On the role of humor in interpersonal attraction: It’s no joking matter.  HUMOR, 10, 77-90.

Cann, A., Holt, K., & Calhoun, L. G.  (1999)  The roles of humor and sense of humor in responses to stressors.  HUMOR, 12, 177-193.

Cann, A., Calhoun, L. G.,& Nance, J. T.  (2000).  Exposure to humor before and after an unpleasant stimulus: Humor as a preventative or a cure.  HUMOR, 13, 177-191.

Cann, A., & Calhoun, L. G. (2001). Perceived personality associations with differences in sense of humor: Stereotypes of hypothetical others with high or low senses of humor. HUMOR, 13, 1-14.

Cann, A., Norman, M. A., Welbourne, J. L., & Calhoun, L. G. (2008). Attachment styles, conflict styles and humour styles: Interrelationships and associations with relationship satisfaction. European Journal of Personality, 22, 131-146.

Cann, A., & Etzel, K. C. (2008). Remembering and anticipating stressors: Positive personality mediates the relationship with sense of humor. HUMOR, 21, 157-178.

Cann, A., Zapata, C. L., & Davis, H. B. (2009). Positive and negative styles of humor in communication: Evidence for the importance of considering both styles. Communication Quarterly, 57(4), 452-468.

Cann, A., Stilwell, K, & Taku, K. (2010). Humor styles, positive personality, and health. Europe’s Journal of Psychology, 3, 213-235. Invited article - Available at www.ejop.org.

Cann, A., Zapata, C. L., & Davis, H. B. (2011). Humor style and relationship satisfaction in dating couples: Perceived versus self-reported humor styles as predictors of satisfaction. HUMOR, 24(1), 1-20.

Cann, A., & Cann, A. T. (2011). The psychology of the humor in House. In L. L. Martin & E. Cascio (eds.). House and Psychology. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.