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Effectiveness of a Humor-Based Training for Reducing Employees’ Distress

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Listed:
  • Jose M. León-Pérez

    (Department of Social Psychology, Universidad de Sevilla, 41018 Sevilla, Spain)

  • Francisco J. Cantero-Sánchez

    (Department of Social Psychology, Universidad de Sevilla, 41018 Sevilla, Spain)

  • Ángela Fernández-Canseco

    (Department of Social Psychology, Universidad de Sevilla, 41018 Sevilla, Spain)

  • José M. León-Rubio

    (Department of Social Psychology, Universidad de Sevilla, 41018 Sevilla, Spain)

Abstract

An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that humor can impact interpersonal relationships in organizations and employee well-being. However, there is little evidence coming from intervention studies in organizational settings. In response, we developed a training following the principles of positive psychology that aims at improving employees’ adaptive use of humor as a successful mechanism to deal with stress. In this study, we assess the effectiveness of such training and its impact on employee well-being. Results from this one-group intervention study in an emergency ambulance service (N = 58) revealed that the participants reported higher levels of cheerfulness ( Z = −3.93; p < 0.001) and lower levels of seriousness ( Z = −3.32; p < 0.001) after being exposed to the training. Indeed, the participants reported lower scores on psychological distress after the training ( Z = −3.35; p < 0.001). The effect size of the training was medium ( r = 0.31 to 0.36), suggesting that interventions to improve adaptive humor at work can be a useful resource to deal with workplace stress and foster employee well-being. These results may have interesting implications for designing and implementing positive interventions as well as for developing healthy organizations.

Suggested Citation

  • Jose M. León-Pérez & Francisco J. Cantero-Sánchez & Ángela Fernández-Canseco & José M. León-Rubio, 2021. "Effectiveness of a Humor-Based Training for Reducing Employees’ Distress," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-13, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:21:p:11177-:d:663761
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lise A. Oortmerssen & Marjolein C. J. Caniëls & Marcel F. Assen, 2020. "Coping with Work Stressors and Paving the Way for Flow: Challenge and Hindrance Demands, Humor, and Cynicism," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 21(6), pages 2257-2277, August.
    2. van der Wal, C. Natalie & Kok, Robin N., 2019. "Laughter-inducing therapies: Systematic review and meta-analysis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 232(C), pages 473-488.
    3. Hua Sui & Nijing Sun & Libin Zhan & Xiaoguang Lu & Tuo Chen & Xinyong Mao, 2016. "Association between Work-Related Stress and Risk for Type 2 Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(8), pages 1-16, August.
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