title: A narrative inquiry: Humour and gender differences in the therapeutic relationship between nurses and their patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although the use of humour in health care has been well investigated, the humorous interactions between nurse and patient are not. This research project investigated the humorous interaction between patient and nurse.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to explore four registered nurses' experiences of the use of humour in relation to gender differences and how humour influences the therapeutic relationship.
  
  
  METHODS
  Narrative inquiry was the chosen methodology as it allows participants to include what is important to participants and highlights how experiences shape social interaction and understanding of events.
  
  
  METHODS
  Registered nurses were recruited from a regional hospital. Interested participants contacted the researchers and shared their stories. Data were analysed using a narrative enquiry methodology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The study indicated gender differences in the way humour is used by patients. For female patients, humour is often instant and situation bound and used as a reassuring discourse for others, whereas male patients' humour through stories and anecdotes is designed to establish a sense of equalising power between the patient and nurse.
authors.affiliation: a School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health , University of Newcastle , PO Box 210, Port Macquarie, Newcastle , NSW 2444 , Australia.
authors.forename: Gunilla
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Haydon
authors.affiliation: a School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health , University of Newcastle , PO Box 210, Port Macquarie, Newcastle , NSW 2444 , Australia.
authors.forename: Pamela
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: van der Reit
authors.affiliation: a School of Nursing and Midwifery, Faculty of Health , University of Newcastle , PO Box 210, Port Macquarie, Newcastle , NSW 2444 , Australia.
authors.forename: Graeme
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Browne
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009732:Nursing Care / Q000379:methods*; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D014925:Wit and Humor as Topic
keywords: female; gender; humour; male; narrative inquiry; nurse; patient; therapeutic relationship