title: Humor as the focal point of treatment for forensic psychiatric patients.
abstract: Framed as a qualitative case study based on constructivist notions, the research being reported evaluates the Humor Group, a unique treatment modality evoking therapeutic change by engaging male forensic psychiatric patients and nursing students in humorous activities. The group's meaning for patient health was investigated by cross-analyzing data collected from patient and student questionnaires, in-depth patient interviews, and naturalistic observations made by the researcher during the group's 4-year tenure. The Humor Group structure and format are offered as guides for undertaking similar attempts to rein in humor's healing potential in other settings and with other populations.
authors.affiliation: Edgewood College, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Minden
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D005555:Forensic Psychiatry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D027641:Laughter Therapy / Q000451:nursing*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000193:education*; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome