The use of humor in depression: An integration of benefits and risks

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Authors
Braniecka, Anna
Monograph
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Date
2026-08
Publisher
Journal title
Clinical Psychology Review
Issue
Volume
128
Pages
Pages
1-16
DOI
ISSN
0272-7358
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Weblink
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735826000905?via%3Dihub
Access date
2026-07-06
Abstract PL
Abstract EN
While humor is increasingly recognized as a valuable adjunct to traditional, symptom-focused treatments for depression, there remains a lack of integrated clinical guidance for its use. This narrative review synthesizes findings from clinical psychology and humor research to provide a comprehensive analysis of the therapeutic potential of and contraindications to humor interventions in depressed populations. The review examines both the benefits—including emotional gain, responsiveness to humorous material, and the effects of humor-based interventions—and the risks—such as impaired humor skills and possible adverse effects—before integrating the two to offer recommendations for identifying good candidates for humor interventions and for tailoring the content to the profiles of people with depression. Particular consideration is given to the different stages of depressive disorders, the heterogeneous nature of humor, its role as an emotion regulation strategy, and its integration into broader therapeutic frameworks. The review concludes by emphasizing the need for specialized education for practitioners and considering the potential of digital technologies and priorities for future research.
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Keywords PL
Keywords EN
Depression
Humor
Depressive disorders
Humor therapy
Depression treatment
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Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 3. Good Health and Well-being
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https://share.swps.edu.pl/handle/swps/2452
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cc-by
Except as otherwise noted, this item is licensed under the Attribution licence | Permitted use of copyrighted works
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