Paradox and play : a study of therapeutic humour and psychosis

• Main Author: Adams, Felicity
• Published: City University London 2013
• Subjects: 616.89; BF Psychology
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.590386

This qualitative research is a study of how humour affects the therapeutic relationship and work with psychosis. Eight participants were interviewed using in-depth semi-structured interviews to gain an insight into the lived experience of using humour in therapy with clients experiencing psychosis. Not only did the interviews give clinical examples of humour with clients experiencing psychosis, but th,ey also provided an opportunity to explore how therapists explained their use of humour with reference to the theoretical framework they worked within. In addition, tpey allo~ed for the acquisition of valuable data on the participants' lived experience of sharing these insights and clinical examples with me. The interviews were transcribed and the data was analysed in accordance with Charmaz's Social Constructivist Ground Theory principles (Charmaz, 2006) . Nine main themes emerged from these interviews as being dimensions of using humour in therapy with clients experiencing psychosis. The use of humour with clients experiencing psychosis produced a range of effects, from the positive, such as allowing clients to play with ideas and feel connected to the therapist, to the negative, such as masking or avoiding pain or humour being misinterpreted. I have attempted to weave my reflexivity throughout this research to show how my own experiences and knowledge have affected the data that emerged from the interviews. Recommendations are made for future areas of research in light of these findings. 47