Is Laughter Truly the Best Medicine? Hear from the Experts

There may be some truth to the old saying, “laughter is the best medicine.” Modern research shows that laughter and humor play an important role in one’s health by reducing stress levels, increasing pain tolerance, and benefiting overall well-being.

Prof. Stephanie Kelly of North Carolina A&T State University, USA, was recently featured on an episode of the Freakonomics Radio podcast, a unique show that explores the "hidden side of everything" and hosts guest intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and more. Prof. Kelly was recently featured in an episode in which she spoke with other leading experts about the idea of integrating humor into medical practice and other themes found in her co-edited IGI Global title. Listen to the episode here to learn about the subjectivity of humor and its potential role in medical practices.

Prof. Kelly’s book, Cases on Applied and Therapeutic Humor, examines how propriety, effectiveness, perception, and cultural variables play a role in using humor as therapy, as well as provides practical case studies from medical/healthcare professionals in which they personally employed humor in medical practice. This book is ideal for medical students, therapists, practitioners, and researchers who are looking for a deeper understanding of the role humor can play as well as guidance as to the effective and meaningful use of humor in medical/healthcare settings. Recommend the book to your librarian here.

Prof. Stephanie Kelly is tis a presence scholar, meaning she studies the nebulous things that happen in people’s minds between a message being sent and received. This means her work spans contexts, but she usually researches interactions that take place in instruction, business, or health. Outside of research, she spends a lot of time reading things that have no contribution to her research whatsoever, preferably with a good monster, vampire, or fae character.